Thursday September 17th 2026
Midlothian Climate Action Hub (MCAH) members
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Residents and organisations across Midlothian are being encouraged to help shape the county’s future through two climate and development initiatives.
The Midlothian Climate Action Hub (MCAH) is calling on the public to support stronger climate and nature protections in the draft Midlothian Local Development Plan 2 (MLDP2), as well as attend a screening and discussion event later this month.
The draft MLDP2 will guide development across Midlothian between 2027 and 2036.
MCAH has submitted a detailed response to the council’s consultation, which sets out its views on how the plan could better protect nature, reduce emissions and improve the county’s resilience to climate change.
The Hub has also launched a community statement of support, giving residents and organisations the opportunity to back stronger protections for nature, communities and climate resilience in the final plan.
MCAH said it welcomed a number of proposals already contained in the draft plan, including measures aimed at improving biodiversity, urban greening, sustainable drainage and active travel infrastructure.
However, the organisation believes some policies could be strengthened further to improve environmental protection and long-term resilience.
Abi Wardlaw, manager of the Midlothian Climate Action Hub, said: “The Local Development Plan will shape Midlothian for decades to come.
“We hope residents and organisations will read our response and add their name to the community statement, helping demonstrate strong public support for protecting nature, building climate resilience and creating thriving communities for the future.”
The Hub is also hosting a screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing at One Dalkeith on September 29, as part of Scotland’s Climate Week.
The screening will be followed by a facilitated community discussion looking at what the climate and nature crisis could mean for Midlothian and how communities can respond.
The film draws on footage from the National Emergency Briefing and features contributions from experts in climate science, public health, food security, economics, national security and nature conservation.
It examines the challenges posed by climate change and nature loss to communities across the UK, before the discussion turns to the potential implications for Midlothian and practical ways of strengthening local resilience.
Ms Wardlaw added: “Whether we’re talking about planning decisions, community resilience or climate preparedness, meaningful change depends on informed and engaged communities.
“We hope these opportunities will encourage people to get involved in shaping Midlothian’s future.”
Residents can read the MCAH response and sign the community statement through the Midlothian Climate Action Hub website.
Free tickets for the event are available at: People’s Emergency Briefing Screening and Discussion
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