BUSINESS leaders, academics and politicians from across West Yorkshire are set to discuss the latest steps being taken to tackle the climate emergency and achieve the region’s ambition of a net zero carbon economy by 2038.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Climate, Energy and Environment Committee is made up of councillors from five local authorities as well as industry experts, including representatives from the University of Leeds, Northern Powergrid and Yorkshire Water.

Members will discuss plans to prioritise critical actions set out in the West Yorkshire Climate and Environment Plan over the next three years.

Indicative funding of £40million has been allocated from the Combined Authority’s devolution deal with the Government towards funding actions in the plan.

The Committee will hear an update on plans to decarbonise transport – the highest emitting sector in the region, accounting for 44 per cent of all carbon emissions – including the recent £23million bid to the Government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Area Fund.

There will also be an update on the creation of a Better Homes Yorkshire Hub.

Chaired by the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, the hub will work with local authorities, housing associations and other partners to improve energy efficiency in homes.

Cllr Tim Swift, Chair of the Climate, Energy and Environment Committee and Leader of Calderdale Council, said: “We have already made great progress in a number of areas, including installing electric vehicle charging points, protecting communities from flooding and securing money to make homes more energy efficient.

“The actions set out in the West Yorkshire Climate and Environment Plan will build on this, and it’s vital we work together across the public and private sectors, in collaboration with our diverse communities, to accelerate our ambition.”

Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “I made a promise to the people of our region to prioritise work to tackle the climate and environment emergency whilst also creating 1,000 well-paid, skilled jobs in the green sector.

“The transition to a net zero carbon economy presents many opportunities for our region, including creating an affordable and sustainable transport network, making our homes warmer, lowering bills and improving air quality.

“It is vital we work together across the region to ensure no one is left behind and the benefits are felt across all of our communities.”

The meeting will be held at Wellington House in Leeds on Tuesday, 22 March.