Cross-departmental taskforce will share ideas to tackle climate change
Third sector organisations have been invited to apply for membership of a new government advisory body that will help tackle climate change.
The body will include representatives from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the Cabinet Office and between 12 and 15 third sector leaders. It has been set up to help the Government and the voluntary sector share ideas for dealing with environmental problems.
Defra raised the idea of establishing an environment taskforce in its third sector strategy, released towards the end of last year (Third Sector Online, 4 November).
Members will discuss ideas such as creating low-carbon neighbourhoods or towns, helping people to be more energy efficient in their homes and encouraging participation in environmental volunteering programmes.
It will also look at whether the Government is using the right techniques to engage the public on environmental issues, and how it can help third sector organisations to do the same.
Huw Irranca-Davies, minister for the natural and marine environment, said: "The taskforce will play a key role in helping us to reach communities through a medium that is easily accessible and trusted. The third sector has unique access to a vast range of people and is ideally suited to help government educate people about climate change and environmental matters."
The recruitment process is being coordinated by the NCVO and environment charity Green Alliance. The deadline for applications is 14 April.
