Environmental Policies and changes to the city
From volunteers planting thousands of trees to the council building the largest new urban park in the country, Leeds is growing as a community to stop climate change and reduce the effect done by humans.
According to Councillor Katie Dye chair of Climate Emergency committee each councillor has been asked to identify sites in their ward for trees to be planted.
With the help of volunteers and the council, Leeds has successfully planted over 40,000 trees between November 2024 to February 2025.
“There’s a consultation going on at the moment where we seek people to help put locations on a map to where people can plant trees and help turn scraps of land into community orchard where people can grow food,” said Cllr Dye.
Cllr Dye said the council faced challenges with new developers regarding sites and sustainability. “It’s a battle sometimes because developers want to put more buildings in the space and the council wants more green space,” she said.
The city’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions is through partnerships with major institutions like hospitals, universities and colleges, said Cllr Dye.
These ‘Anchor Organisations’ work closely with Leeds City Council and are the baseline to reduce carbon footprint.
“Partnerships are hugely important, and it could not be done with just the council, collaborative efforts are crucial for achieving the city’s environmental goals,” said Cllr Dye.
Cllr Dye hopes more organisations and small businesses come forward with the council to help make their estates greener and look for conservation projects in their local areas.
Leeds Council aims to give Leeds more green spaces, in new developments, with the new policy for developers.
This policy has led to Aire Park, an eight-acre urban park, within the 1,400 homes development in South of Leeds.
This will be largest urban park in the country.
Written by Martina Williams
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