Samantha Nicholson has been appointed to lead the Manchester Climate Change Agency (MCCA) on this critical next stage of the city’s zero carbon transformation.

Manchester is committed to becoming zero carbon by 2038 at the latest – at least 12 years ahead of national targets – and this requires the city collectively to play its full part in limiting the effects of climate change. Over the next three years Manchester needs to reduce its CO2 emissions by at least 16% every year, a goal that will require major changes in the city’s transport, buildings, energy and food systems, with every resident and business playing their part.

MCCA is a not-for-profit organisation established in 2015 to drive forward the city’s climate change agenda and support the Manchester Climate Change Partnership.

Its role is to work with the partners and the wider community to ensure that Manchester develops and successfully implements a city climate change strategy that is consistent with the Paris Agreement.

Sam brings more than 20 years’ experience with a proven track record in the climate sector to MCCA. Previously, Sam was Zero Carbon Manager at Manchester City Council, and prior to this, she was Head of Low Carbon and Manufacturing at GC Business Growth Hub. Sam said:

“I’m excited to join Manchester’s Climate Change Agency and Partnership in tackling this most pressing issue. The time for urgent action is now and I look forward to helping Manchester move further towards achieving its ambitious targets to become a zero carbon and climate resilient city.”

Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Executive Member for Environment at Manchester City Council, welcomed Sam’s appointment: “I am delighted that Samantha is joining us on our journey in Manchester to drive forward the climate change agenda. We have an ambitious target in Manchester, and she brings with her a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the issues pertinent to the city. Undoubtedly, she will ensure that the climate change agenda is front and centre of all our decision making as we focus on reaching our overall target of reducing carbon emissions and ensuring our city is zero carbon by 2038."

Sam and the Agency’s work supports the Manchester Climate Change Partnership, which brings together some of the leading organisations in Manchester, including Manchester City Council, Manchester’s universities, Bruntwood the largest commercial property owner in the city, Manchester City Football Club, Electricity North West, and Manchester Cathedral, along with other cultural, community, and public organisations in the city.

Mike Wilton, Chair of Manchester Climate Change Partnership, added:

Sam’s appointment has been welcomed across the Partnership. The global extreme weather events over the summer have again demonstrated the importance of climate action, and Sam’s role leading the Manchester Climate Change Agency will be critical. With a fully resourced Agency we can now expand the Partnership, collaborating with more organisations and businesses to make Manchester a thriving, zero carbon, climate resilient city.

Sam’s appointment marks the start of the next stage of development for the Climate Change Agency and Partnership including the expansion of the Manchester Climate Change Partnership and the appointment of a new Agency Deputy Director. https://www.manchesterclimate.com/join_partnership