Havant Borough Council declares climate emergency
It's not exactly a radical move, but it has finally happened. I received this news release today.
Havant Borough Council declares climate emergency
A climate emergency has been declared by Havant Borough Council during a meeting held of the Full Council on Wednesday 20 November.
Councillors agreed to a motion that commits the council to do everything within its power to take the steps to become a greener borough.
The need for urgent and transformative action has been identified as a priority following a shift in the political balance of the council following the election earlier this year when members of the Labour Party, Liberal Democrat Party and Green Party formed an alliance to take on a new political leadership.
Proposer of the motion, Councillor Grainne Rason, who is Cabinet Lead for Climate Emergency, Environment and Water Quality, said “The risk from extreme weather events, that may have an impact on our residents, businesses, and the environment, is escalating.
“We recognise the urgent threat of climate change to the borough, particularly due to its 56 km coastline, making many areas vulnerable to rising sea levels and flooding. This council has a responsibility to demonstrate leadership within our own estate and in our messaging to residents.”
Both the UK Government and Hampshire County Council declared a climate emergency that aims for net-zero emissions by 2050.
Havant Borough Council will also aim to achieve this through future policies, strategies, and action plans supporting a fair and just transition to a green economy, promoting green jobs, sustainable business practices, and workforce training. The council will also support the efforts of others in their efforts to become net-zero.
What is Net Zero?
Net Zero is cutting our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as close to zero as possible. This means reducing our emissions to avoid adding to the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Not all emissions can be reduced to zero, so any that remain can be offset by removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Examples of ways to do this include planting trees, renewable energy generation and by trading in carbon units.
My comment:
I'm not convinced about trading in carbon units. I'm happy to be proved wrong, but it seems to be another way to make money without achieving much and probably producing more greenhouse gases in the process.
Havant Borough Council declares climate emergency
A climate emergency has been declared by Havant Borough Council during a meeting held of the Full Council on Wednesday 20 November.
Councillors agreed to a motion that commits the council to do everything within its power to take the steps to become a greener borough.
The need for urgent and transformative action has been identified as a priority following a shift in the political balance of the council following the election earlier this year when members of the Labour Party, Liberal Democrat Party and Green Party formed an alliance to take on a new political leadership.
Proposer of the motion, Councillor Grainne Rason, who is Cabinet Lead for Climate Emergency, Environment and Water Quality, said “The risk from extreme weather events, that may have an impact on our residents, businesses, and the environment, is escalating.
“We recognise the urgent threat of climate change to the borough, particularly due to its 56 km coastline, making many areas vulnerable to rising sea levels and flooding. This council has a responsibility to demonstrate leadership within our own estate and in our messaging to residents.”
Both the UK Government and Hampshire County Council declared a climate emergency that aims for net-zero emissions by 2050.
Havant Borough Council will also aim to achieve this through future policies, strategies, and action plans supporting a fair and just transition to a green economy, promoting green jobs, sustainable business practices, and workforce training. The council will also support the efforts of others in their efforts to become net-zero.
What is Net Zero?
Net Zero is cutting our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as close to zero as possible. This means reducing our emissions to avoid adding to the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Not all emissions can be reduced to zero, so any that remain can be offset by removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Examples of ways to do this include planting trees, renewable energy generation and by trading in carbon units.
My comment:
I'm not convinced about trading in carbon units. I'm happy to be proved wrong, but it seems to be another way to make money without achieving much and probably producing more greenhouse gases in the process.
