BASINGSTOKE and Deane Borough Council has launched a new climate change resource aimed at helping residents navigate the “overwhelming” pressures of living in a greener way.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has declared a climate emergency and is working to make Basingstoke and Deane a net zero carbon borough by 2030. It says that climate change is “arguably the greatest threat to our world.”

But in the words of activist Great Thunberg, the world needs action, and not just “Blah Blah Blah”.

The ‘Climate Change toolkit’ was the brainchild of Cllr Mark Ruffell, BDBC cabinet member for the natural environment and climate improvement, and was developed alongside council officers and a closed Members’ Advisory Panel (MAP) on climate change.

The council then decided to release the resource last week, as the COP26 conference drew to a close.

Speaking to the Gazette, Cllr Mark Ruffell said: “What we are aiming to do is to try to get the messages out there and encourage people to make changes themselves.

“There are a lot of people running around saying we have got to do something, and few saying what we can actually do. Many people just want to get on and do something.

“The government says we should be doing something, but a lot of people at a local level think, ‘What can I do?’, or ‘Do I need to bother?’.”

“The aim is to give people information, and sign post them to what would be right for them. It’s not about saying anyone has to do everything.”

The toolkit includes a variety of information, in text, picture and video formats, on subjects ranging from heating services, to finding accredited insulators, and planning information.

It comes in two versions - one for individuals, and another for groups, whether formal or informal such as “a street, a few neighbours, or a family”.

Cllr Ruffell said that this idea was born by looking at community projects such as the Overton Cup scheme, and asking how these might be replicated in other areas of the borough.

He said: “They aren’t precious about it and nor are we with this [toolkit]. Rather than telling everyone we are all doomed, it is about thinking proactively.”

“It can be overwhelming,” said Cllr Ruffell.

“A lot of people are very upset [about climate change], and at the same time there is a lot of misinformation.

“We could all spend our time saying that, unless we can stop the rainforests being cut down, we won’t make a difference. But this is about making a start. You’ve got to start somewhere.”

When asked about any challenges he perceives, and how the council hopes to assess the success of the toolkit, Cllr Ruffell added: “The crucial bit is feedback. We want feedback. This isn’t something that’s fixed, it will hopefully evolve.

“It may well not have the things on it that people find they need, and I want people to respond to it.”

You can view the Climate Change toolkit at: https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/climate