Progress with climate emergency in all districts
Last Thursday the DCC Cabinet meeting included an agenda item to discuss their corporate carbon plan (internal emissions) and the broader Derbyshire Climate Change Framework (all emissions in Derbyshire). The latter is of more interest as it covers the bulk (99%) of the emissions. See this link.
Continue reading Derbyshire County Council makes some progress
Derbyshire Climate Coalition campaigners would like to give you an update on what has been happening. The following councils have declared a Climate Emergency (the dates with embedded links to council papers are shown in brackets).
Derby City (22/05/2019); passed unanimously but no date, little follow up action but it has agreed to appoint a paid climate change co-ordinator.
Amber Valley Borough (24/07/2019); Motion passed for net zero by 2030.
Chesterfield Borough (17/07/2019); failed to include date of 2030 or accept amendment to do so.
Derbyshire Dales District (30/05/2019); Motion strengthened and unanimous.
High Peak Borough (15/10/2019); Motion passed unanimously – 2030 date.
NE Derbyshire District (08/07/2019); Motion amended (80% reduction by 2030 with aim of 100%).
South Derbyshire District (27/06/2019); Unanimous but watered down.
THREE COUNCILS HAVE DEBATED THE EMERGENCY BUT REFUSED TO DECLARE IT FORMALLY, namely :
Derbyshire County Council (15/05/2019); the Council issued an alternative climate manifesto and, despite issues with the Leader of the Council, some good work is being done in partnership.
Bolsover District Council (17/07/2019);the motion amended to debate need for motion at future date.
Erewash Borough (10/10/2019); Motion passed for net zero by 2050; wholly complacent response. Note that lawyers from ClientEarth have warned this council that they will violate their legal obligations and risk legal challenge if they do not introduce proper climate change plans. See https://www.clientearth.org/press/lawyers-put-local-authorities-on-notice-over-climate-inaction/ .
Chesterfield Borough Council declared a climate emergency in July 2017 and proposed to set up a climate working group who would be tasked with developing a fully costed climate action plan by March 2020 and advising on a realistic date the borough could become climate neutral. The council has taken 3 months to set up the group, who were selected following an application process. The first meeting took place on 23 Oct with about 15-20 members from across the Borough though the list of members has not been made available, even to the members themselves. Transition Chesterfield, Chesterfield Cycle Campaign and Plastic Free Chesterfield all have representation, as well as several councillors, and representatives from UNISON, the hospital, the post office and business. The first meeting comprised presentations from DCC on ‘climate change – a Derbyshire and Chesterfield perspective’,and then in small groups members were asked to discuss their role within the community and priorities for CBC and the borough as a whole. There are only 3 more meetings scheduled before end of Feb though concern has been raised that this is insufficient time to deliver an action plan.
In April 2019 Derbyshire Climate Coalition started, through 38 Degrees, this petition
We propose that Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council:
1. Declare a Climate Emergency
2. Commit to making Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council net zero carbon local authorities by 2030
3. Develop a clear plan within 6 months for a route towards being net zero carbon
4. Call on the UK Government to provide the necessary support and resources to enable effective carbon reductions
PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK AND SIGN IT IF YOU HAVENT YET DONE SO
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? Continue reading Councils and Climate Emergency Petition
