COP26 is six months away - how you can help

Today marks six months until the start of the UN conference on climate change, which will be held in Glasgow in November.

The conference, also known as COP26, will establish the approach to environmental policies globally to stop the current increase of global warming, among other climate related issues.

As we announced yesterday, over half of school-aged children in Brighton & Hove are worried about the environment.

So it is important that we all play our part in reducing our individual carbon footprints, to make a real difference in the fight against climate change and protect the environment for future generations.

We also know how important legislation is in supporting these changes, and that is why we added our name to a list of signatories on a letter to COP26 President, Alok Sharmaasking for food policy to be put on the table.

The letter asked Alok Sharma, to make food systems a higher priority at the climate change conference, looking at ways we could improve food systems for everybody and reduce waste in the industry.

Reducing the waste we consume is one of the easiest ways to reduce our carbon footprints and protect our environment for the future.

So why don’t you see if you can make changes in the way that you shop for food by reducing the plastic you consume or trying to focus on buying food that is produced locally.

A great time to Breeze up to the Downs by bus

Another way to keep your carbon footprint down is by changing the way we travel.

With lockdown restrictions easing, spring in full bloom and summer just around the corner, why not explore what Brighton & Hove and the South Downs National Park has to offer by bus?

The city’s Breeze Buses run every weekend to and from the city centre to Stanmer Park, Ditchling Beacon and Devil’s Dyke, making travel even more convenient to some of the most beautiful and picturesque parts of our countryside.

The 77, 78 and 79 Breeze Bus services are run in partnership between the council, South Downs National Park Authority, the National Trust and Brighton & Hove Buses. 

Prices are just £5 return for adults, with up to two children per adult travelling for free. Concessionary bus pass also travel for free.  All types of B&H Buses ‘Saver’ tickets are also accepted on the Breeze services. More information on the services, including details of pricing can be found on our Breeze Buses page. 

Explore The Living Coast by Bike

If you’d like to explore the local sea on two wheels instead of four, now you can.

You can now visit the South Downs, towns and coast of Brighton & Hove collectively known as The Living Coast, the UK’s only urban UNESCO World Biosphere Region, by bike.

To encourage more people to explore sustainably and connect with nature we worked with So Sussex to create a selection of cycle routes that highlight some of our unique habitats, species and cultural heritage.

With routes that pass some of the most iconic local environmental landmarks, The Living Coast by Bike provides an excellent way to discover the region, giving you a unique experience of the natural habitats a stone’s throw from our city’s doorstep.

Be a low impact traveller this summer and explore the glorious coast and countryside by bike.

Move for Change – Phone app rewarding active and sustainable travel in Brighton & Hove

People in Brighton & Hove can now be rewarded for choosing active and sustainable travel.

The council has pledged to become a carbon neutral city by 2030 and encouraging more people to choose active and sustainable transport means we can further reduce toxic emissions and improve the city’s air quality. 

Active travel also has many proven mental and physical health benefits.

The ‘Move for Change’ initiative, powered by the BetterPoints app, has been launched this month to encourage and reward residents and employees for walking, cycling, and using public transport.

By signing up to the Move for Change challenge, residents and commuters can collect points which can then be exchanged for discounts and vouchers at local shops.

Since February 1, more than 100 people have signed up, over than 1500 activities have been logged and almost 2500 miles have been travelled.

App users can also earn or win BetterPoints or BetterTickets (for monthly online raffle prizes) by taking part in surveys and competitions to redeem with local businesses.

Find out what else we've been up to

If you're interested in the work that the council has being down in this area, then check out our latest round up of stories on how we've been taking forward our climate actions.