We’re building a shared vision of Portsmouth transformed

Portsmouth Climate Action want our city to be at the forefront of the evolution that the climate emergency demands of us. That means transforming the way we do business, shop, travel, grow our food and power our homes. Discover who we are and how we can get there together.

What we want to achieve

A healthier and happier city, showing that greening Portsmouth offers abundance not austerity. Here’s how:

Warmer homes, lower energy bills

In a carbon neutral Portsmouth houses would be very well insulated, with energy-efficient appliances powered by renewable energy.

More trees, parks, greenery and wildlife

A carbon neutral Portsmouth would require more trees, green roofs, parks, wildlife corridors and locally grown food.

Cheaper, cleaner public transport

A carbon neutral Portsmouth would require a public transport system that was cheap, green, reliable, and easy to use.

Better cycling and walking routes

In a carbon neutral Portsmouth it would be safe, easy and enjoyable to walk, wheel and cycle around the city.

Much less waste in a circular economy

In a carbon neutral Portsmouth consumption would be reduced and waste materials would be reused or recycled.

Satisfying employment with green jobs

A carbon neutral Portsmouth would be a hub for green jobs such as engineers, clean tech, home retrofitters, etc.

The changing climate

Since the start of the industrial era, human activities have warmed the planet by just over 1°C. We are already seeing the consequences. The effects we are having are accelerating. If we carry on as we are, we are putting our community at great risk. Learn more →

Who we are

Portsmouth Climate Action is a community group with a core team of nine members and a wider base of affiliated organisations. Scroll down and / or click here to find out more about us.

Esther Sonnet

Esther Sonnet was Head of School for Creative Arts, Film & Media at the University of Portsmouth for 14 years and is now a Faculty Doctoral Research Coordinator. She has extensive experience of all things to do with grant funding.

Ellie Rundle-Johnson

Ellie Rundle-Johnson has been the Sustainability Coordinator for both the University of Portsmouth and Winchester. She is currently doing a MSC in Environmental Science and brings both academic knowledge and practical experience to the team.

Tony Sudworth

Tony Sudworth is a qualified business consultant with a 40 year career in IT, both in the UK and abroad. His last job was Digital Sustainability Lead for the DWP- the largest government department with 120,000 users & a £1.4bn IT budget.

Christabel Egbegi

Christabel Egbegi is a student of Environmental Geology and Land contamination at the University of Portsmouth. She says: ‘I am eager to help spread awareness of climate change to the youth and general public.’

Nick Sebley

Nick Sebley co-ordinated the Portsmouth Climate Action Board from 2020 to 2022. Since then he has been co-author of the new Sustainability Policy for the University of Portsmouth and delivered carbon literacy courses to University staff, students, arts practitioners and the public.

Jake Jones

Jake Jones has been Insights Function Manager at University of Portsmouth Students' Union for two years. He says: "After I completed the Carbon Literacy course run by Nick and Ellie from PCA, I became motivated to do whatever I can in helping mitigate climate change.”

Jonathan Schofield

I’m a web and graphic designer, born when CO2 was at 320ppm, and I’ve long been concerned about ecological overshoot. I grew into designing for the web when it was young and now I’m growing old(er) with it. I moved to Portsmouth in 2001 and love it. I want to play my part in helping it navigate the coming decades.

Argyro Vlachaki

Argyro worked for 8 years as an Executive Assistant to C-suite executives in the financial services sector, but now wants to align her work life more closely with her values and care for the natural world. She has recently completed a coding course and will help with our website and digital media.

Professor Tony Chafer

Tony Chafer is Emeritus Professor of African and French Studies at the University of Portsmouth, and a member of Sustrans, the Soil Association, the RSPB and Friends of the Earth. He wants to focus on improving air and water quality, active travel and and greening our city.