Posted on Facebook by Sandy Stevens:

“Thrilled to announce that Gwynedd County Council have just declared a Climate Emergency this evening at approximately 5:25pm at their full Council Meeting in Caernarfon. The Motion was proposed by Cllr. Catrin Wager and seconded by Cllr. Mike Stevens and passed unanimously thereby committing to becoming Carbon Zero by 2030. During the discussion which preceded the vote, Steve Churchman really brought it home when he reminded us “This motion is a no-brainer….We have to act and we have to act fast!” This urgency was backed up by Cllr. Paul Rowlands in the discussion who said “We need to change gear and do things on a greater scale….going further than being Carbon Zero by 2030 eg planting more trees and using new Technologies”

Here’s the Motion:

Notice of Motion by Councillor Catrin Wager

In accordance with the Notice of Motion received under Section 4.20 of the Constitution, Councillor Catrin Wager will propose as follows:-

The Motion:

The evidence is now conclusive that climate change is happening.  Climate change is linked to extreme weather events, rising sea levels, drought and flooding.  The consequences of global temperature rising above 1.5°c are so severe that preventing this from happening must be a key priority.  The findings of the IPCC 1.5C study in October state that humanity has 12 years to take decisive action on climate change.  All governments (local, regional and national) have a duty to limit the negative impacts of Climate Change.  The Council has obligations, under the “Wellbeing of Future Generations Act” to consider the impact of any decision it takes on generations to come.  The Council also has an obligation to protect the public.

Council further notes that:

The impact of climate change and extreme weather events are already being felt within the county.  23,244 Gwynedd residents live within a flood risk area.  Over the next century, sea levels are expected to rise by 1.1m.  Flooding already costs the Welsh economy c. £200 million per year.  Gwynedd’s landscape presents many opportunities for energy generation, biodiversity regeneration and runoff flood mitigation.

This Council therefore resolves to:

Do our utmost to ensure that the county remains a vibrant, viable and sustainable home for our children and their children for generations to come.  We will do this by:

  • Declaring a Climate emergency
  • Commit to taking decisive action to reduce carbon emissions and strive for a zero-carbon future.
  • Look for innovative means to achieve zero carbon targets
  • Report back within 6 months on positive steps the Council have taken to reduce carbon emissions.