Climate change consultation

West Sussex is a wonderful place to live, work and visit. Our landscapes, coastline, towns, villages and communities are among our county's greatest strengths. However, like communities across the country and around the world, we are already experiencing the effects of a changing climate. More frequent heatwaves, increased flood risk, pressure on water resources and impacts on nature are affecting people, businesses and the places we value.

Responding to these challenges requires collective action. It also presents an opportunity to create a healthier, safer and more resilient West Sussex for current and future generations.

As Chair of the Joint Climate Change Board, I am pleased to introduce this consultation on the proposed West Sussex Climate Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Action Plans. Developed collaboratively by the County Council and the District and Borough councils, these plans set out a shared framework for action over the coming decades.

Please read the summary document (opens in new window) and then take part by clicking here (opens in new window) or by scrolling to the bottom of page.

Summary document - please click image to open

The plans recognise that tackling climate change means both reducing the emissions that drive it and preparing our communities, infrastructure, economy and natural environment for the impacts that are already unavoidable. By taking this joined-up approach, we can help deliver better homes, cleaner air, lower energy costs, thriving natural habitats, resilient communities and sustainable economic growth.

The actions presented in this document have been informed by evidence, technical analysis and engagement with stakeholders from across West Sussex. They provide a clear direction for how we can work together to support the transition to clean energy, strengthen resilience to extreme weather and create lasting benefits for residents, businesses and the environment.

Climate action cannot be delivered by councils alone. Success will depend on strong partnerships and the involvement of communities, businesses, voluntary organisations and residents across the county. Your views are therefore an important part of shaping the final plans.

I encourage you to take part in this consultation and share your thoughts on the proposed actions. Together, we can help ensure that West Sussex remains a thriving, prosperous and resilient place for generations to come.

Cllr Natasha Davie

Chair, West Sussex Joint Climate Change Board, and West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change.

Accessibility and alternative formats

Anyone without access to the internet can visit a library (opens in new window) or family hub (opens in new window) to complete the consultation. For anyone needing further support completing an online form, help can be arranged from a library digital volunteer.

Alternatively, people can request a printed version to be sent to them, along with a Freepost return envelope, by calling 01243 777100 .

Printed copies of the climate plans along with a document summarising what the consultation is about can be viewed at Chichester, Crawley, Horsham, and Worthing libraries on request.

If you require any of this information in an alternative format, then please contact us via email at climatesurvey@westsussex.gov.uk or by telephone on 01243 777100 and we will do our best to assist you. If you are deaf or hard of hearing and have a BT Relay UK app (formerly known as the NGT texting app) installed on your computer, laptop or smartphone, you can contact us on 18001 01243 777100.

Please note, you can use the Google Translate function to access this project in a range of different languages. The Google Translate widget can be found at the top left-hand side of the project page, where it sits just above the black West Sussex County Council ribbon.

For more information about the accessibility of this website, please see our Accessibility tab (opens in new window) at the foot of the page.

Survey web browser compatibility

Please use one of the browsers below when completing the survey to ensure it looks and works as it should. These are:

· Microsoft Edge version 86 and above

· Chrome version 86 and above

· Firefox version 78 and above

· Safari version 14 and above