Council calls for support for Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill
News release issued:
Wyre Forest District Council has written to Wyre Forest MP, Mark Garnier, calling on him to back the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill.
It follows the passing of a motion by Full Council, at its meeting on Wednesday 14 July 2021, to support the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill.
In May 2019, the Council declared a climate emergency. This latest Bill calls on the Government to meet the 2015 Paris Agreement’s aim to keep global temperature rise to 1.5oC above pre-industrial levels.
The letter to the Wyre Forest MP states: “The latest report from the Climate Change Committee (CCC), which advises the UK Government, points out that we are not on track for the current target of net zero emissions by 2050.”
The Bill recommends that the current UK plans for CO2 need to include emissions from aviation and shipping and the CO2 used to manufacture imported goods. Together these represent 47% of our real CO2 emissions.
The Bill went through its first reading in September 2020. The second reading is set to take place on Friday 10 September 2021.
Residents who want to want to pledge their support can visit https://www.ceebill.uk/.
Councillor Nicky Martin, Cabinet Member for Housing, Health, Wellbeing and Democratic Services said:
“We are taking the issue of climate change very seriously. In May 2019 we declared a climate emergency and, in 2020, set-up a cross party advisory panel to lead on our green agenda. The council is proud to back the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill and I hope Mark Garnier MP will do so too.”
Councillor Vicky Caulfield brought the motion to council. It was consistent with the concerns that the council and many residents feel on the need to tackle climate change.
Councillor Caulfield said:
“I’m delighted that this motion was supported by the council. There is real urgency and action needed to safeguard our communities and nature from the impacts of climate change. According to the UN, current policies in place will lead to around 3oC of warming by the end of the century but this could easily be more.
“The council is encouraging residents to take a look at the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill and sign up to support it. We feel it is a great opportunity for the UK to take a lead on the world stage, especially with the COP26 conference this year.”