A Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Climate Commission has been launched with 16 commissioners set to challenge, catalyse and convene on all things climate change – including net zero plans and ecological regeneration.

Set up as an independent organisation, the new commission met for the first time in June. Its scope is to amplify positive action and ensure different voices are heard, as well as challenging all relevant parties to be accountable for their climate actions while focusing on adapting to current and future climate change impact.

It has committed to responding to consultations with respect to the Cornwall White Paper, the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Local Area Energy Plan, The Housing Decarbonisation Strategy and the yet-to-be-published update to the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

The commission will work in partnership with the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Nature Partnership, the Economic Forum, and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Fairness Commission, and those who champion environmental and nature-based solutions in response to ecological crises. Its chair, Justin Olosundé, will also have a seat on the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Leadership Board.

Raised and educated in West Penwith, Mr Olosundé had an extensive career in investment banking before moving into education, serving as principal of Camborne College, Newquay College and Falmouth Marine School. He is currently the senior finance and investment manager for the West of England Combined Authority.

“It is an honour to have the opportunity to serve in a partnership which is seeking to actively bring people together from across the public, private and civic sectors to work collaboratively with Cornwall Council to drive climate action,” said Mr Olosundé.

The commission has also appointed Lisa Telfer Brunton and David Harland as vice chairs.

Professor Martin Siegert, deputy vice chancellor for Cornwall at the University of Exeter, was instrumental in setting up the commission. “Across our local communities, businesses, NGOs, academic institutions and councils, climate action is already under way,” he said.

“But we know that we need to go further, and that we need to ensure that our response to the climate and ecological crises recognises the need for a sustainable and fair Cornwall and Isles of Scilly for one and all.

“The Climate Commissioners will play a key role in this, providing challenge, support and inspiration.”

Cllr Martyn Alvey, portfolio holder for Environment and Climate Change at Cornwall Council, was involved in creating the draft terms of reference for the commission and selecting the first commissioners. “We are fortunate to have a diverse and passionate cohort of individuals who will bring together a vast range of personal skills and perspectives,” he said.

The first climate commission was established in Leeds in 2017, followed by Belfast and Edinburgh in 2020.