Petersfield Climate Action Network (PeCAN) and other environmental groups are supporting each other to push climate and nature in Hampshire’s local government reorganisation.

Residents currently have until Sunday, April 13 to submit their views on the devolution plan, which proposes a Mayoral Combined County Authority over the local authority areas of Hampshire County Council, Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council, and Southampton City Council.

However, Hampshire Climate Action Network is leading a campaign to make climate and nature at the top of the agenda, as it believes that the new authority’s proposed duties on environment and climate change are very limited.

PeCAN said: “This is an opportunity to both support local government at what will be a difficult time and ensure the key messages on climate and nature recovery are heard and included in the planning process.

“Encouragingly, local authorities have already reached out to obtain input and support from some of the groups and we are hopeful of a positive engagement!

As part of the campaign, Hampshire Climate Action Network and South East Climate Alliance have coordinated 13 climate networks across England to send a letter to the Government Ministers for local government and for the climate, asking them to give the new strategic authorities a duty to take the lead on climate and nature.

PeCAN says it will remain engaged and keep locals updated of progress.