“Middlesbrough Council notes:
That the impacts of climate breakdown are already causing serious damage around the world.
That the ‘Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 C’ published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in October 2018 describes the enormous harm that a 2C average rise in global temperatures is likely to cause and confirms that limiting Global Warming to 1.5C may be possible with ambitious action from national sub national authorities, civil society and the private sector.
There is still the opportunity to address the changing climate and ensure future generations have a sustainable environment. Strong policies to cut emissions have associated health, wellbeing and economic benefits and in recognising this over a hundred local authorities and the LGA Conference have already passed Climate Emergency motions. The UN and WHO have declared that we have eleven years to address the problems. Beyond that the effects may be irreversible.
Middlesbrough has already taken steps to address its obligations in relation to climate change through adopting the One Planet Living approach to sustainable living.
“This Council aspires to:
- make Council activities zero carbon by 2030
- achieve 100% clean energy across the Council’s full range of functions by 2030
- ensure that all strategic decisions are in line with a shift to zero carbon by 2030 declare a ‘Climate Emergency’ that requires urgent action
- proactively include young people in the process ensuring that they have a voice in shaping the future
- continue to use the One Planet Living approach to sustainable living setting an annual plan and actions that assist in reducing greenhouse gas emissions whilst also creating and maintaining sustainable communities
- continue to work with partners across the town and region to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans including the delivery of the One Planet Living Action Plan.
- Call on the UK Government to provide power and resources to make the 2030 target possible”
Councillor Rostron, Councillor Arundale, Councillor C Hobson and Councillor J Walker spoke in support of the motion.
The Executive Member for Environment advised that a pilot scheme had been set up in schools to encourage children to bring greens/plastics to school. As a reward the children received free books. Special bins have been placed in schools to encourage children to recycle.
On a vote being taken the motion was declared CARRIED.
