Agenda item

Motion submitted by Councillor Jones.

A Motion on Notice regarding the Declaration of a Climate Emergency  was submitted by Councillor Jones (item 9.1 on the agenda filed with these minutes).

In proposing the motion, Councillor Jones stated that tackling climate change was a global issue and that the global threat of climate change was manifesting in Charnwood. She stated that flooding and heat waves would continue and become more severe. She said that in declaring a climate emergency, the council would be formally acknowledging the work already done and also leading the way for more progress. Councillor Jones went on to say that climate impact was at the heart of the Council’s business. She said that by making this declaration, it would inspire organisations, businesses and individuals to do what they can to reduce their impact on the climate, just as the Council had been inspired by other local authorities that had declared a climate emergency. Councillor Jones asked Council to think about the generations to come and to support the declaration of a climate emergency.

Councillor Baines said that while he supported the motion, he felt that it was symbolic and that real initiatives to help reduce carbon emissions were needed. He suggested measures such as moving the Council offices, investing in solar and wind energy and making a shift towards electric vehicles.

Councillor Westley said that he supported the motion but that perspective was needed. He stated that the Council had little control over the world’s carbon emissions and that Charnwood’s contribution was very small. He said the motion put forward would have little impact on the climate and that resources should be focussed on real issues faced by residents. He said that the Council should be debating community funds and business grants instead of the motions being put forward. Councillor Westley finished by stating that there were real opportunities to help residents in Charnwood.

Councillor Hamilton highlighted that the motion was not a symbolic act but a statement of intent to put the climate emergency at the centre of the Council’s business. He said that the Council could work with stakeholders, businesses and other authorities to promote the reduction of carbon emissions.

Councillor Haynes recognised that Charnwood was a small area but stated that it was a small area with a larger impact on the climate than some other areas of the world. He said if all small areas decided their impact was insignificant and to do nothing, no change would be made longer term. Councillor Haynes recognised there were other issues in the Borough but stated that without addressing climate change, there would be no capacity to address the other issues. He went on to say that climate change was the most significant issue facing the world.

Councillor Rattray highlighted that the Council had declared an ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030 in June 2019 and approved a carbon neutral plan in September 2021. She said that the Council had been committed to reducing carbon emissions for a number of years already and that she felt the commitments in the motion should be done regardless of the passing of the motion.

Councillor Infield said that the urgency of dealing with the climate was increasing and that every organisation needed to do more to tackle the issue. He went on to state that the Cost of Living Crisis and climate change were closely linked and that actions such as properly insulating homes would reduce emissions and reduce energy costs for residents. He said that building new homes would cause a significant increase in emissions unless more sustainable measures were taken.

Councillor Bokor said that addressing the climate emergency had been part of the Council’s work for a number of years and that there was a lot of work being done to reduce emissions in the Borough already. She said she felt that physical actions and ideas would be more beneficial than declarations and statements.

Councillor Lawrence stated that the motion meant that the Council recognised the impact of climate change on the Borough and demonstrated active leadership to support the transition to net zero. He said that practical actions to achieve this were set out in the revised action plan and the declaration of a climate emergency would add more emphasis to this work. Councillor Lawrence said that he felt there was a need for greater clarity and focus on improving the Council’s impact on the climate and to demonstrate leadership to communities and businesses to encourage the whole Borough to work towards net zero.

Councillor Jones summed up by acknowledging the good work that had already been done. She said that there would be actions to follow the declaration of a climate emergency and thanked members for their support.

Following a vote, the motion was passed.