Last Friday, the Midlands Climate Expo marked a significant milestone in our region’s journey towards sustainability, as Mr Ian Dudson CBE, the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, officially launched the Staffordshire & Stoke-On-Trent COP Charter. This Charter symbolises a united commitment to tackle climate challenges, marking a pivotal moment in bringing together local organisations, businesses, and communities to drive meaningful change.
A Moment of Unity and Commitment
During the launch, Mr Dudson delivered an inspiring speech, highlighting the importance of collective action and local leadership in addressing the climate crisis. He reminded the audience of Staffordshire’s proud heritage of innovation, stating:
“Over the years, Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent have been at the forefront of innovation and industry. Our rich heritage is steeped in the ingenuity of our people, from the pottery kilns of Stoke-on-Trent to the engineering feats across our county. Today, we harness that same spirit of innovation to address the most pressing challenge of our time: the climate crisis.”
The COP Charter is more than a simple document; it is a pledge to unite efforts across the region. It represents a shared vision to reduce carbon emissions, promote sustainable practices, and enhance community resilience against climate impacts. As Mr Dudson emphasised, the Charter embodies three core principles: collaboration, innovation, and education.
Growing Support for the Charter
We are thrilled to announce that several organisations have already signed up as early supporters of the Charter, showcasing their commitment to the region’s sustainability journey. Among the first signatories are Sustainability West Midlands, YMCA (North Staffordshire), Support Staffordshire, Futureproofed, JG Fenns, Moorlands Climate Action, Bilbrook Parish Council and Transition Lichfield. Their leadership sets a powerful example of the collective action that the Charter seeks to inspire.
Mr Dudson acknowledged the efforts of all those involved, highlighting the importance of working together:
“The COP Charter is more than a document; it is a pledge—a unified statement of intent from businesses, local authorities, educational institutions, and community organisations. It represents our shared vision to reduce carbon emissions, promote sustainable practices, and enhance the resilience of our communities against the impacts of climate change.”
Many more organisations are expected to follow suit once the Charter has been ratified through their governance procedures, further strengthening the regional commitment to climate action.
A Roadmap for Action
The Charter serves as a strategic roadmap, encouraging organisations to adopt sustainable practices, invest in green technologies, and collaborate on innovative solutions. It fosters partnerships across sectors, amplifying impact and accelerating progress towards shared environmental goals.
Mr Dudson highlighted this collaborative approach, stating:
“Firstly, it is a commitment to collaboration. No single entity can tackle the complexities of climate change alone. The Charter fosters partnerships across sectors, encouraging the sharing of knowledge, resources, and best practices. By working together, we amplify our impact and accelerate progress towards our environmental goals.”
Looking Ahead
As the Charter gathers momentum, the vision of a greener, more resilient Staffordshire and Stoke-On-Trent comes closer to reality. The Midlands Climate Expo has set the stage for what promises to be a transformative initiative, one that aligns local actions with national and international climate objectives.
In closing his speech, Mr Dudson encouraged all attendees to commit to the Charter, saying:
“I am pleased to declare the COP Charter officially open and available for signing in the main exhibitor hall throughout the day. I encourage all of you to add your names and commitments to this important initiative. As a representative of His Majesty, I look forward to presenting him with a report of the Charter and the work here today in Staffordshire.”
With the Charter now launched, we look forward to the positive changes it will inspire across the region. For organisations wishing to sign up to the Charter, you can do so by visiting Staffordshirecop.com/charter-signatory. Join us in our mission to create a sustainable future for Staffordshire and Stoke-On-Trent.
