The first North Ayrshire Climate Convention was declared a success, paving the way for increased efforts to save the planet at a local level.

Over 100 people from a variety of backgrounds took part in the first climate change convention with debate and discussion over a huge range of topics taking place.

Councillor Joe Cullinane, leader of North Ayrshire Council underlined the positive changes made to date, leading to a reduction of 44 per cent in both the council’s carbon emissions through the installation of solar panels, new district heating schemes, and increasing energy efficiency. The council committed £8.8 million in this month’s budget towards implementing change.

School pupils, representatives from community groups, local businesses, and a range of other stakeholders all took part.

Councillor Cullinane added: “The climate emergency is an existential threat to our planet that requires urgent action to be taken, at all levels of government, across the globe to rapidly cut carbon emissions.

“We have set ourselves a target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. That’s ambitious but we feel absolutely essential in the current climate."

The council is looking to explore a range of proposals over the coming months.