York Climate Commission appoints new Co-Chairs to support City's climate and nature ambitions
Posted on 18 March 2025
The York Climate Commission (YCC) has announced the appointment of two new co-chairs, Jennifer Potter and Henrietta Stock, who will spearhead the commission’s work to drive forward climate and nature action across the city that delivers for the people of York.
Established in response to York's 2019 Climate Emergency declaration, the YCC serves as an independent, collaborative body uniting public, private, and civic sectors across the city. The Commission was re-launched in 2024 to enhance transparency and expand its membership, reinforcing its commitment to delivering collaborative, impactful climate and nature recovery actions.
The newly appointed co-chairs bring a wealth of experience and dedication to environmental sustainability. Their shared leadership is expected to invigorate the Commission's efforts in facilitating collaboration, sharing knowledge, and promoting effective climate action through various working groups focusing on biodiversity, energy, transport, health, and more.
Henrietta Stock, Energy Engineer and Sustainability Leader expressed enthusiasm about the new role:
“I feel both excited and privileged to co-chair the York Climate Commission with Jennifer. York is blessed with a huge number of passionate and dedicated volunteers from across different communities in York working to tackle climate change and address nature recovery. Together, we hope to support and elevate this work, seizing the opportunity for York to be a sustainability leader and maximising opportunities for businesses and communities in the city."
Jennifer Potter, Founder and CEO of Frankly, a local leadership development consultancy, added:
"Joining forces with diverse sectors across York, we aim to inspire innovative solutions that will drive us toward our net zero and nature recovery goals. I’m excited to be representing the citizens of York and really looking forward to working with Henrietta."
Matthias Ruth, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at the University of York and outgoing Commission Chair said:
"There is perhaps no larger imperative than climate action, because without it, all else we invest in is at risk. With that in mind, I am thrilled to see the evolution of York's Climate Commission to embrace all sectors of the city and region - public, private and non-profits alike - to come together to tackle the challenges before us and to be inclusive of the many diverse voices of our community. Wherever the Commission will lead, I am sure it will create benefits for all, for a long time to come."
The YCC invites individuals and organisations to collaborate in building a greener future for York. By participating in the Commission's initiatives and working groups, stakeholders can contribute to the collective effort of addressing the climate crisis at the local level.
For more information about the York Climate Commission and opportunities to get involved, please visit their website.