Julian Atkins, currently the Countywide Climate Change Coordinator for the public sector partnership, Climate Leadership Gloucestershire, has been appointed Net Zero Programme Director for the Church of England.
Having worked in a variety of senior roles across the public sector over the past 20 years, Julian was Chief Executive of the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority prior to his current role, tasked with managing and protecting landscape covering 1,347 square kilometres of Mid Wales.
As Net Zero Programme Director, Julian will be responsible for providing national church leadership for the Church of England’s Net Zero Carbon 2030 Programme, working in partnership with colleagues across the Church to help to deliver upon the ambition set by General Synod in 2020.
Commenting on his appointment, Julian said:
“I am thrilled to be taking up the role of Net Zero Programme Director with the Church of England. The Church of England is already demonstrating strong and clear leadership on the climate emergency through the bold 2030 ambition it has set itself and through the Routemap to Net Zero Carbon.
“Significant funding is being allocated at a national level but it’s clear that this on its own will not be enough and that we will need to use that funding wisely to lever in more resources, by working in partnership and being creative at parish, diocesan and national levels. I am looking forward to developing the collaborative approaches which will be needed to amplify and extend the really good work that is already happening so that, together, we achieve as much impact as possible.”
Gareth Mostyn, Chief Executive of the Church Commissioners, said:
“For the Church of England to achieve net zero carbon by 2030 we will need to work together across the Church. In his new role Julian will work with colleagues at national and diocesan level and with key stakeholders to develop a joined-up programme, ensuring we focus our effort in the right places. Our ability to prioritise and allocate national Church funds to local and innovative projects, and assess the impact of that funding, will be key. I am delighted that we have appointed someone of Julian’s experience and knowledge in this field and I look forward to welcoming him to the NCIs in the New Year.”
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