The Climate Change Citizens’ Panel session 2

Purpose of day two

Examine the sources of emissions in Surrey and provide an overview of local transport and its environmental impact on Elmbridge.

Day activities

Group discussions and activities focused on transport in Surrey as a major source of emissions. A variety of interactive exercises were used to promote collaboration and effective communication among participants: 

• Iceberg and visioning exercise:
   A visual tool used to explore underlying assumptions and imagine future possibilities. This activity helps participants articulate a shared vision and understand deeper issues.
  
  
• Opinion lines:
   An interactive exercise where participants physically or mentally position themselves along a spectrum to show their level of agreement with a statement. This encourages open dialogue and helps surface a range of perspectives.
  
  
• Energiser pair discussions:
   A dynamic activity where participants engage in brief conversations with a partner before rotating to speak with someone new. This format builds rapport and energises the group.
  
  
• Developing questions:
   A reflective exercise focused on putting together clear, focused, and thought-provoking questions. This process encourages critical thinking and supports meaningful exploration of key topics.

Talks on the day:

Speakers

Ben McCallan, Engagement Lead at Surrey’s Greener Future – Surrey County Council

Surrey's Greener Future is a Surrey County Council initiative aimed at tackling climate change and promoting sustainability throughout the county. Its primary goal is to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 while strengthening Surrey’s resilience to the impacts of climate change. The initiative includes a wide range of programmes and actions focused on cutting carbon emissions, advancing renewable energy, and improving energy efficiency across communities and sectors.

In the video below, Ben describes the support available across Surrey to drive climate action. He highlights the benefits of implementing policy versus the cost of inaction, examines Surrey’s overall emissions in comparison to Elmbridge, and emphasizes the vital role communities play in tackling climate change and the various ways residents can get involved.

Steve Howard, Transport Strategy Manager, Environment, Transport and Infrastructure at Surrey County Council

The Environment, Transport & Infrastructure (ETI) Directorate at Surrey County Council oversees a broad range of services related to the environment, transport systems, and infrastructure development across the county. Its mission is to support the creation of healthy, sustainable communities through initiatives such as waste management, flood resilience, and the promotion of active travel. 

In the video below, Steve highlights that high carbon emissions in Surrey are largely driven by widespread car ownership, with most journeys being just 2 to 3 miles long. He outlines the key objectives of the Surrey Transport Plan, which aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, support sustainable growth, foster well-connected communities, and promote clean air and a high quality of life. This will be accomplished through a shift in travel behaviour—encouraging alternatives to car use, promoting active travel, and enhancing both vehicle energy efficiency and the operational efficiency of roads. Steve also explains the potential impact of the Surrey Transport Plan 2022–2032 and what can be achieved through its implementation. 

Dr Nikolas Thomopoulos of University of Surrey, Associate Professor in Transport, leading the Sustainable Transport & Mobility Programme of the Institute for Sustainability.

Dr. Thomopoulos has conducted the WISE-ACT survey (Wider Impacts and Scenario Evaluation of Autonomous and Connected Transport)  distributed in more than 20 countries within Europe, focusing on the diverse issues surrounding Autonomous and Connected Transport. 

In the video below, Dr. Nikolas Thomopoulos examines the environmental, economic, and social impacts of sustainable transport. He also highlights key initiatives across England and Europe that advance sustainability and promote inclusive mobility for all.

Roger Geffen, Traffic Reduction campaigner, Low Traffic Future. 

Low Traffic Future is both a vision and a movement supporting a shift away from car dependency toward more sustainable modes of transport—such as walking, cycling, and public transport. It imagines communities that are healthier, safer, and more vibrant, with cleaner air and a more stable climate, all made possible by reducing our reliance on private vehicles.

In the video below, Roger outlines the hidden costs of today’s high transport traffic, explaining why the UK’s surface transport sector is the worst climate performer among major economies. He highlights the environmental, economic, and social benefits of transitioning to a low traffic Future, and discusses the additional steps needed to reduce travel demand and reshape how we move around.

Jane Halliwell from Chatterbus 

Chatterbus provides a bus service for people in the Cobham area which expands the public transport network.

Jane outlines the vital services provided by this volunteer-led, charitable bus service. She discusses the ongoing challenges of maintaining regular community routes while striving for financial sustainability.

Next Elmbridge Climate Change Citizens' Panel

Topics for session 3, taking place in September, include Green Spaces.

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