Our projects

In collaboration with partners and stakeholders across the region, the Commission is working to develop a regional strategic framework that explores the many demands on land and water. Through extensive stakeholder engagement, this flagship project will co-develop guidance and principles to support multi benefit, evidence based decision-making – that ensures people have access to the resources they need whilst improving the health of our environment and making space for nature to thrive.

This flagship project is working to support local government and decision-makers in preparing for climate impacts, building on the success of our Local Authority Climate Adaptation Programme delivered in 2023. Through a series of workstreams, the programme aims to accelerate climate adaptation action across Yorkshire and the Humber, and to help realise the opportunities for improving health, wellbeing and quality of life and building long-term resilience in the face of a changing climate.

In 2023, we teamed up with the Directors of Public Health to develop a programme to educate health professionals on the connections between climate, nature and people’s health and wellbeing. Now a flagship project, the Yorkshire and Humber Climate and Health Partnership will provide regional leadership around climate and health, promoting the co-benefits of rapid emissions reduction, and preparing for the worsening consequences of climate change on health and inequality.

This flagship project is focused on identifying the key areas where the Commission can add real value and support for developing skills in the region. One area of work is with the nature recovery and environmental sector, increasing capacity and helping to scale up projects that are addressing our environmental crises directly. Another priority is identifying the sectors facing the hardest decarbonisation challenges, and working with key organisations to develop plans to support those affected. (Photo: Department for Education - Apprentices)

This flagship project aims to bring together experts from across the region to build collaborations and partnerships that can deliver funding at scale, in support of a just transition to a climate-ready region. We will be exploring fundamental questions around adaptation investment, learn from existing partnerships about how to draw investment into Yorkshire and the Humber, and understand where climate action investment is currently directed and whether it supports a just transition.

In 2023 we created and launched our weather narratives tool 'Pam's Story'. This workshop toolkit uses a fictional character narrative to explore future climate scenarios and prompt productive discussion about adaptation planning. Following a successful pilot in early 2024, we have now produced a full support pack plus a ‘Train the Trainer’ programme to support wider rollout across the region. We are also exploring opportunities to develop other characters to engage a wider range of audiences and sectors. (Photo: Mike Beales - Flickr)

Through this flagship project, we will work with partners across the region to support and enable a modal shift in how we travel – whereby the use of private cars is reduced in favour of lower carbon alternatives, including active travel (walking, cycling) and public transport. The aim is to reduce transport emissions and unlock significant co-benefits, especially for people’s health. The project will draw from the Yorkshire and Humber Climate and Health Partnership. (Photo: Wikipedia)

Working with the Supergen Energy Networks Hub, this flagship project aims to support the planning and delivery of net zero energy systems at local and regional level. This work is focused on the system level changes needed, drawing on leading academic insights and new modelling to help inform decision-making. We aim to identify energy network requirements across and within regions, and will look to support the development and implementation of local energy plans. (Photo: nulabugeye - Flickr)

Launched in 2022, we continue to run the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Action Pledge, which allows any organisation from the region to make a public declaration of intent for positive action on rapid emissions reduction, climate adaptation, nature restoration and a just transition. Through the scheme we encourage public, private and third sector organisations to make this commitment, and are developing useful resources to support progress.