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The following Motion has been submitted in the name of Councillor Steve Ardagh-Walter:

Motion to Declare a Climate Emergency

This Council notes that:

1. All levels of government (national, regional and local) have a responsibility to limit the negative impacts of Climate Breakdown. It is important for the residents of West Berkshire and the UK that we commit to working towards carbon neutrality as quickly as possible.

2. The consequences of global temperature rising above 1.5°C are so severe that preventing this from happening must be of the utmost urgency.

3. Bold climate action can deliver economic benefits in terms of new jobs, economic savings and market opportunities (as well as improved health and well-being) but will also require changes in individual’s lifestyles and have a cost implication to both the individual and the state.

West Berkshire Council therefore:

1. Declares a Climate Emergency.
2. Will create a strategic plan for West Berkshire, that aims to deliver carbon neutral by 2030.
3. Calls on HM Government to provide the Council with the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible.
4. Will work with other authorities to determine and implement where practicable best practice methods to limit Global Warming to less than 1.5°C.
5. Will continue to work with businesses, residents and other stakeholders across the district to deliver this new goal via all relevant strategies and plans.
6. The newly formed Environment Board will provide an interim report to the Executive in September 2019 with the progress made to date.