THE Liberal Democrats are submitting a motion to the full meeting of Warrington Borough Council next week calling for a “Climate Emergency” to be declared.
The motion is being proposed by Lib Dem Leader Cllr Bob Barr, and seconded by Cllr Brian Axcell who is an energy engineer.
Cllr Barr said: “Many councils up and down the country have declared a Climate Emergency and we think Warrington should do the same.
“Human activity has caused massive adverse impacts all over the world. Atmospheric carbon dioxide exceeds the level deemed to be safe for humanity. Society needs to change its laws, taxation and infrastructure to make low carbon living the new norm. If there is a concerted and ambitious effort to take action now, it is not too late to reverse the trend.
“Warrington need not wait for central government. We could become an exemplar town. Bold climate action can deliver new jobs, economic savings as well as improving the wellbeing of our residents.”
Cllr Axcell added: “We are asking the council to declare a Climate Emergency and pledge to make Warrington carbon neutral by 2030.
“ We need to work with others to determine and implement best practice methods to limit global warming to less than 1.5 degrees. We must work with our MPs to ask Westminster to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible.
“Our Motion requests the council to renew its current commitments, to withdraw investments if it has any in fossil fuels, and to report back within six months on the actions that are being taken and the cabinet’s plan and timetable for future activity.”
Two members of the controlling Labour group, Cllr Judith Guthrie and Cllr Tom Jennings, are also submitting a motion that the authority should declare a climate emergency and become carbon neutral by 2030.
They want the council to set up a working group on the issue which would report back to the council in December with an action plan.
Cllr Bob Barr
Council urged to declare “climate emergency”
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So is that cross-party agreement then?
You would think so, wouldn’t you. But the controlling group seems to find it hard to agree with itself sometimes, so they will find it hard to agree with the opposition
It will be interesting to hear how the present administration’s intention on the Local Plan fit with them making Warrington a “greener”, less polluted and more ecologically friendly place to live. Particularly so in view of its attitude on 656’s and Eddie aims towards pouring yet more concrete in our rapidly reducing green belt. And their “hidden extras” attaching to the Western Link.