Bath & North East Somerset Council is asking residents to take part in its new Climate and Nature Survey — but local campaigners say the survey has major gaps. When the survey first launched, transport — which makes up around a third of local carbon emissions — wasn’t even listed as a key area for action. Following public concern, the Council updated the survey to include it, and it now appears at the top of the list. That’s a positive change, but deeper questions about the Council’s approach have been raised.
“Transport is one of the most powerful tools the Council has to cut emissions. It was shocking to see it left out in the first place,” said Green Councillor Saskia Heijltjes, “We urge residents to speak up for better public transport, safer walking, wheeling and cycling, and serious action to reduce car journeys.”
Others are also raising concerns about how the survey is framed. Instead of focusing on what the Council and key stakeholders — like government, businesses, and developers — should be doing, much of the survey puts the spotlight on individual lifestyle choices.
“The questions are vague and not measurable. People are asked whether they’ve reduced air travel, for example — but how can the Council use that data to shape an effective strategy?”, added Councillor Heijltjes.
There is, however, a space for free-text comments — and that’s where your voice matters most. Residents are being encouraged to use it to highlight what’s missing and push for stronger, more accountable action.
Take the survey here:
https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/bath-north-east-somerset-climate-and-nature-survey
Let the Council know that real change means shifting systems — not just individual habits.