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.
Justin Olosundé will sit as the first chair of this newly established Climate Commission.
Olosundé, who was raised and educated in Penwith (where he lives today), has had an extensive career in the investment banking sector before moving into the education sector where he was principal of Camborne College, Newquay College, Falmouth Marine School, and a director of Somerset College.
Currently, he is the senior finance & investment manager for the West of England Combined Authority and the finance lead for the National Local Net Zero Accelerator Pilots in Greater Manchester, the West Midlands and York & North Yorkshire Combined Authorities.
The Commission has also appointed its first vice chairs – Lisa Telfer Brunton and David Harland, who bring a rich and diverse wealth of knowledge.
The new commission, set up as an independent organisation, met for the first time in June.
Its scope is to amplify positive action, ensuring different voices are heard, and acting through a holistic lens.
It 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 that champion environmental and nature-based solutions in response to ecological crises.
Olosundé said: “It is an honour to have the opportunity to serve in the newly created Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Climate Commission, 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.”
Professor Martin Siegert, deputy vice chancellor for Cornwall at the University of Exeter, who has been instrumental in setting up the Commission, added: “I am delighted that the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Climate Commission is now up and running.
“Across our local communities, businesses, NGOs, academic institutions and councils, climate action is already under way.
“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. I look forward to working with them and encourage all others to do the same.”
