High Life Highland signs charter on climate commitments
High Life Highland’s has affirmed its commitment towards helping to tackle climate change.
The organisation, which runs the region’s leisure centres, museums, and more, has become the latest organisation to sign the Highland Charter for Climate Nature and Health.
The new charter – which was launched recently at the Inverness Botanic Gardens – is a pledge to put climate, nature and the benefits of green and blue health at the centre of decision making and action. The aim is to ensure that the natural environment and the people of the Highlands have improved health, wellbeing and resilience.
The Highland Charter for Climate, Nature and Health is aiming to build on its predecessor, the Climate Charter, by recognising that all three elements are essential for the health of the planet and its people.
Michael Golding, chairman of the board of High Life Highland, said: “At High Life Highland we are focused on improving health and wellbeing to deliver our core aim to making life better. In order to deliver on this, we recognise the importance of being kind to our planet and are committed to playing our part.
“From recycling facilities in all our buildings, reducing our energy use, encouraging active travel as well as our use of renewables, such as the Hydro Ness scheme which powers Inverness Leisure, we are taking a broad range of actions.
“All of our nine services have a role to play in delivering the Charter for Climate, Nature and Health but particularly our Countryside Rangers, Health and Wellbeing, Leisure and Sport teams.
“Our natural environment is so important to our health and wellbeing – they are intrinsically linked – which is why I am absolutely delighted to sign the Charter on behalf of High Life Highland.”
Welcoming High Life Highland’s commitment to the charter, Cathy Steer, chairwoman of the Highland Green Health Partnership and head of health improvement with NHS Highland, reinforced the importance of working together to achieve the best for people and planet.
Cathy commented: “We all have a vital part to play in supporting the climate, nurturing biodiversity, and helping people in Highland to become and remain as healthy as possible. Connecting these things together means we can achieve the best future for all. We work hard to ensure health improving opportunities are accessible to everyone, and the aims of this charter are key to that work.”
