We welcome the prominence the plan affords (Chapter 2) to addressing the climate emergency, and we encourage KCC to more fully operationalise these principles throughout the plan. Paragraph 2.3.4 refers to the National Adaption Framework (NAF 2018), including to the need for ‘ongoing engagement with civil society’. In this context, we note the need for subsequent sections (of the plan) to be much more explicit in this regard, as organisations such as the PPN are keen to participate such engagements, not just with KCC, but with public bodies more generally.
Sections 2.6 and 9.3 make strong plays regarding the importance and the potential of the bio-economy, but these are not sufficiently pursued in terms of specific actions or commitments. The only policy commitment to mention the bio-economy is KCDP 9-3, and this simply commits to facilitate and support employment opportunities. We recommend more specific, deeper and broader commitments, so that Kerry can avail of the associated opportunities.
The draft CDP’s references to ‘place-making’ (e.g., 2.6.2.1) require a systematic and meaningful engagement with civil society, and we recommend that the plan make specific references to the PPN’s three pillars as essential actors in this space.
The plan’s commitments in respect of sustainable energy generation note the required mix of energy sources. We welcome the specific inclusion of ‘micro generation’, and we encourage KCC to work with us and other stakeholders in this regard, as PPN members / groups can and should be facilitated to be energy suppliers.