To consider the following motion submitted by Councillor Mrs M. Overton MBE:

This Council values the importance of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that address the global challenges we face including equality of opportunity, protection of our environment and prosperity. The UK’s Programmes are undergoing Voluntary National Review (VNR) in July to consider how the UK’s programmes and policies are contributing to achieving these Global Goals. 

Much of the work has to be implemented by local Councils like ours, and we welcome the importance placed by HM Government that all levels of government work together and the partnership with Local Government is vital to successful implementation of the shared goals in North Kesteven.

Our Council has a vital role to play in terms of the planning, implementation and monitoring in local areas. We are also perfectly placed to raise awareness of these challenges through local partnerships and with our citizens.

This Council recognises that a growing number of UK local authorities have already passed ‘Climate Emergency’ motions with cross-party support, in recognition of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC) warning that urgent action is required on climate change in order to avoid runaway global warming and climate breakdown.

This Council therefore:

  • Calls upon Her Majesty’s Government to explore supporting our Council in implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals through a funded partnership role;
  • Will consider how our local priorities link with the overall ambitions of the Sustainable development goals; and
  • Declares a ‘Climate Emergency’, and works with residents, businesses and other partners to tackle climate change, lobbying for support to address this emergency by 2030.