A debate is now being held on the proposed amendment to the motion calling for Stoke-on-Trent to declare a climate emergency. The amendment suggests setting up a commission that meets in public and hears evidence from a wide range of representatives.
— Stoke-on-Trent CC (@SoTCityCouncil) July 4, 2019
Original Motion:
(b) The Climate Change Emergency (Submitted by Councillor Ashworth and Councillor Chetwynd
Introduction
The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warn that we have 12 years to make the necessary changes to limit a rise in global temperatures to 1.5oC. Failure to act will see a marked increase in sea levels and flooding, extreme and abrupt changes to weather patterns, crop failures, extinctions of plant, insect and animal species and global economic disruption and crisis. The increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events that we have experienced locally highlight why this is such an important issue for Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
At the Global Climate Talks in Poland last December the UK, along with over 200 nations, agreed action on climate change with a much greater role strongly implied for Local and Regional Authorities like Stoke-on-Trent City Council in assisting Governments to achieve their carbon emission savings.
This Council therefore:
1. Declares a Climate Emergency which involves taking actions in the clauses a to f.
2. Notes that our current targets are inadequate to respond to the challenge of keeping global temperature rises below 1.5 oC. This Council requests that:
(a) the Cabinet set up a Stoke-on-Trent Climate Change Liaison Group immediately to respond to this challenge, that meets in public with wide representation including Councillors, residents, young citizens, both Universities and other relevant parties.
(b) the Cabinet through this Group sets a new target for Stoke-on-Trent to be carbon neutral and develops an action plan by the end of 2019, to achieve this.
(c) the relevant cabinet member with responsibility for climate change should take proactive steps to include young people and the public in the process.
(d) resolves to work with other local authorities and public, private and voluntary sector partners on carbon reduction projects to ensure the UK can deliver its climate commitments.
(e) requests a report from our pension funds and our investment managers on our levels of investment in the fossil fuel industry.
(f) Council calls on the Government to provide the resources and powers so that Stoke-on-Trent can make its contribution to the UK’s Carbon Reduction targets.
