County, district, and borough councils across West Sussex are inviting residents to take part in a new climate change consultation which was launched today (Wednesday 5 August).
The consultation will gather views on draft plans that aim to make West Sussex a greener, more resilient county where people and nature thrive together.
The councils have worked together through a group called the West Sussex Joint Climate Change Board with support from climate specialists City Science.
Together they have prepared draft action plans which focus on:
- Climate change mitigation - reducing the amount of carbon produced and released into the atmosphere, e.g. from transport, homes, and businesses
- Climate change adaptation - preparing for the impacts of an increasingly changing climate - such as longer and more frequent heatwaves and more severe flooding
People who live or work in West Sussex are encouraged to take part in the consultation by visiting www.westsussex.gov.uk/climatesurvey
The consultation is open until Sunday 27 September 2026.
Chair of the West Sussex Joint Climate Change Board and West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, Cllr Natasha Davie, said: “We are already experiencing the effects of a changing climate. Longer and 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.
“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, and thriving natural habitats.”
While all councils involved in this consultation already have their own climate commitments and plans, these new draft plans set out a collective approach for addressing shared challenges and opportunities across the county.
Proposed actions set out in the plans include supporting energy efficiency improvements to buildings, enabling people to switch to greener travel options such as electric vehicles, encouraging community solar energy projects and increasing the use of sustainable drainage systems.
The consultation gives people the opportunity to help shape plans before they are finalised. All feedback received during the consultation will be reviewed and considered as the draft plans are developed further. Responses will help the councils understand whether the plans address the right priorities locally, where people feel action should be focused, and the level of support for action on climate change across the county.
Cllr Davie added: “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. So, I would encourage everyone to take part and have their say on this very important issue.”
Anyone without access to the internet can visit a library or family hub 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 777 100. Completed printed surveys may also be returned to any West Sussex library.
Printed copies of the climate plans along with a document summarising what the consultation is about can be viewed from next week at Chichester, Crawley, Horsham, and Worthing libraries on request.
