CED UK to July 2019

Below are the UK local council, national, and dependency regions that have declared a Climate Emergency, in chronological order up to 1 July 2019. Click the “motion text” links to see details of the motions they passed.

For UK declarations from 1 July to 30 September 2019, go to https://www.cedamia.org/ced-uk-july-through-sept-2019/
For UK declarations after 30 September 2019, go to https://www.cedamia.org/uk-ced-from-oct-2019/

13 November 2018, Bristol City Council, England, UK, population 463,400

First local council in the UK to pass a Climate Emergency Declaration, at least partly in response to the birth of the Extinction Rebellion movement in the UK. See Bristol Change Starts Now.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
29 October 2019: Bristol’s Climate Emergency Action Plan
motion text


Excerpt from the resolution:

Full Council calls on the Mayor to:
1. Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’;
2. Pledge to make the city of Bristol carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions (scope 1, 2 and 3)5;
3. Call on Westminster to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible;
4. Work with other governments (both within the UK and internationally) to determine and implement best practice methods to limit Global Warming to less than 1.5°C;
5. Continue to work with partners across the city and region to deliver this new goal through
all relevant strategies and plans;
6. Report to Full Council within six months with the actions the Mayor/Council will take to address this emergency.

See Motion 2 in the Bristol Public minutes 13112018 1800 Full Council

28 November 2018, Trafford Council, England, UK, population 236,370

Trafford Council was the second UK local council to declare a Climate Emergency, citing the IPCC Special Report and the precedent set by Bristol City Council.
motion text


Excerpt from the resolution:

Therefore, Council agrees:

– To declare a ‘climate emergency’.

– To establish a new task and finish group, with a remit to:

(i) Seek advice from experts to develop a carbon budget and set a challenging target date for carbon neutrality in Trafford;

(ii) Consider systematically the climate change impact of each area of the Council’s activities;

(iii) Make recommendations and set an ambitious timescale for reducing these impacts;

(iv) Report to full Council with the actions the Council needs to take to address this emergency.

See here or Motion 10c in the agenda for the climate emergency declaration resolution text.

3 December 2018, Totnes Town Council, England, UK, population 8,076

Third local council in the UK to pass a Climate Emergency Declaration.
motion text


Resolution:

Full Council thus:
1. Declares a ‘Climate Emergency’;
2. Pledge to make the town of Totnes carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions (scope 1,2,3);
3. Call on Devon County Council, South Hams District Council and Westminster to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible and to appoint Citizens assemblies to develop the policies to deliver this target;
4. Work with other local authority organisations such as DALC (Devon Association of Local Governments) and appropriate government departments (both within the UK and internationally) to determine and implement best practice methods to limit Global Warming to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels;
5. Continue to work with partners across the district, county and region to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans;
6. Place this issue on Council Committee agendas to agree strategies and action plans.
7. Report to Full Council within six months with the actions the Council will take to address this emergency.

See pp31-33 for the full Totnes Town Council climate emergency declaration statement
Totnes Town Council climate emergency declaration statement.

5 December 2018, Frome Town Council, England, UK, population 26,203

Fourth local council in the UK to pass a Climate Emergency Declaration.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
18 February 2019: Finding Courage in the Climate Crisis, free public talk hosted by Frome Town Council as part of engaging the local community.
6 February 2020: organising another free workshop to explore how we can talk to colleagues, family and friends about climate change
motion text

 

Recommendations
1. Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’
2. Pledge to make Frome carbon neutral by 2030;
3. Call on Westminster to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target
possible
4. Sign up to the Covenant of Mayors;
5. Develop a detailed plan of action and report back to council in six months time.
6. Reports to Council in six months with an update on the actions being taken to
address this emergency.

See Frome Agenda-item-5-For-decision-Climate-emergency-declaration

6 December 2018, Forest of Dean District Council, England, UK, population 86,543

Unanimously passed a motion to declare a climate emergency and make the Forest of Dean District Council and the district carbon neutral by 2030.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
July 2019: progress report on council website
motion text


Extract from the resolution:

Full Council calls on Council to:
1. Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’;
2. Aim to make the Forest of Dean District Council and the district carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions (scope 1, 2 and 3), Ref 4
3. Call on the Government and other relevant organisations and partners to provide the powers, resources and funding to successfully meet the 2030 target;
4. Subject to receiving the necessary powers, resources and funding to:
a) Work with other councils and organisations (both within the UK and internationally) to determine and implement best practice methods to limit Global Warming to less than 1.5C; and
b) Ask the Leader to initiate work with partners across the district, county and region to help deliver carbon neutrality through all relevant strategies and plans.
5. As a first step, to actively investigate using a local green energy company as the Council’s energy provider.

See the full minutes related to this motion.

10 December 2018, Ladock Parish Council, England, UK, population 1,513

Passed a motion to accept there is a climate emergency, to be carbon neutral by 2030, and to set up a climate change sub-committee. Full minutes can be downloaded here.

12 December 2018, Greater London Authority, England, UK, population 8,899,375

The Mayor of London accepted the recommendation from the London Assembly to declare a climate emergency and make London a zero carbon city by 2030.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
6 September 2019: London buses being replaced by electric and hydrogen-fuelled buses
17 September 2019: New North London Waste Authority facility will significantly reduce waste-related emissions
18 February 2020: brought forward carbon neutral target date to 2030 (instead of 2050) for the entire city
motion text


Motion passed by the London Assembly on 6 December 2018:

This Assembly notes that the IPCC’s Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C, published in October 2018, describes the enormous harm that a 2°C rise is likely to cause compared with a 1.5°C rise, and confirms that limiting Global Warming to 1.5°C may still be possible with ambitious action from national and sub-national authorities and others.

This Assembly notes the Mayor’s climate change mitigation and adaptation responsibilities and recognises that he aims to make London a zero-carbon city by 2050 and would welcome further ambitious steps.

We welcome action by Bristol city council and other city councils around the world to declare and commit resources to tackling a ‘Climate Emergency’.

We urge the Mayor to declare a Climate Emergency, supported by specific emergency plans with the actions needed to make London carbon neutral by 2030, call on government to give him the powers and funding to make this possible and, as vice chair of the C40 Cities network, to be a leader on this agenda.

The Mayor had previously committed to making London a zero carbon city by 2050. See his 1.5C Compatible Plan (December 2018) outlining getting to zero carbon by 2050.

10 December 2018, Oswestry Town Council, England, UK, population 17,105

Oswestry Town Council accepted that there is a climate emergency and resolved to become carbon-neutral by 2030.
motion text

 

The council resolved to complete a carbon audit and action plan to deliver sustained reductions in its carbon footprint, require reports to identify the impact of any proposals on its carbon footprint, and to form a working party to encourage the people of Oswestry to reduce carbon emissions and “become more resilient to climate change.

Screenshot of minutes of the meeting:

13 December 2018, Stroud District Council, England, UK, population 119,019

The Stroud District Council endorsed the Climate Emergency Declaration passed on 16 November 2018 by the council’s Environment Committee. See the Stroud Action Plan.
Endorsement by full council was on 24 January 2019. Those minutes are here.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
November 2019, consultation on draft plan, including carbon neutral requirement for new developments.
motion text


The resolution:

RESOLVED
To ask Stroud District Council to endorse the ‘Climate Emergency’ announced by the administration on 16 November 2018 and pledge to do everything within the Council’s power to make Stroud District carbon neutral by 2030.
Environment Committee requests Strategy and Resources Committee to consider setting aside initial funds via the normal budgeting process in order to fund the scoping and delivery of the “Stroud Carbon Neutral 2030 Commitment”. Further the commitment will be added as a piece of work to this committee’s work programme and that work will include the items listed below from 1 to 7.
1.To set out a Plan of Action, including cleartargets and transparent reporting, to develop District wide Locally Determined Contributions to complement National Determined Contributions in line with the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5C.
2.To include planning and support in the District for adaptation to the climate change that is already happening.
3.To develop a strategy for Stroud District Council to play a leadership role in promoting community, public and business partnerships for this Carbon Neutral 2030 Commitment throughout the District, County and region.
4.To work with partner bodies across the county to ensure that the climate emergency is adequately reflected in the development and implementation of all county wide strategies andplans, including Gloucestershire 2050, the Gloucestershire Industrial Strategy, Gloucestershire Energy Strategy and Gloucestershire Transport Plans.
5.To investigate all possible sources of external funding and match funding to support this commitment.
6.To work with key partner organisations within the County and region to secure external funding.
7.To report back on an annual basis to Council on progress made.

See full text of the agenda item passed by the Environment Committee and endorsed by Council in the 13 December minutes.

13 December 2018, Brighton and Hove City Council, England, UK, population 290,395

Unanimously passed a climate and biodiversity emergency motion.

PROGRESS SO FAR:
1. Then, on 31 January 2019, in response to an Extinction Rebellion petition, Council passed another motion to release a statement about this publicly and ensure it committed to 2030 for whole city carbon neutrality.

2. On 1 March 2019 it was reported here that £500,000 which was earmarked for the redevelopment of Brighton Town Hall will now be used for investment in “sustainability and carbon reduction”. Labour leader Daniel Yates said: “We need to deal with the climate emergency facing the city and create a fund for those who wish to fight climate change.”

3. 4 November 2019 progress report
motion text


Excerpt from December 2018 proposal:

Further to this, Council:
(1) Declares its recognition of global climate and biodiversity emergencies;
(2) Requests the Policy, Resources & Growth Committee to:
– undertake a short review of BHCC governance policies and progress aimed at addressing locally these twin threats and to report on findings;
– consider a target date of 2030 for whole city carbon neutrality;
– consider how the Council can strengthen local protection and enhancement of species, habitats and ecosystems services under available powers;
(3) Request the Chief Executive to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer stating
the concern of the Council with respect to the above, the likely national impact on
the economy and on the wellbeing of citizens, and requesting government funding be made available to implement swift appropriate actions in response.

See P31 of the full minutes of the Brighton and Hove City meeting

17 December 2018, Machynlleth Town Council, Wales, UK, population 2,235

17th December 2018, Machynlleth Town Council unanimously responded to a 500+ signature petition calling for a Climate Emergency to be declared by passing a motion to support the request.
motion text

 

They went on to:

1. Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’;
2. Launch an inclusive consultation to develop an action plan over the next 6 months to:
· make Machynlleth net-zero carbon as soon as possible;
· increase local resilience to climate impacts;
· maximise local benefits of these actions in other sectors such as health, agriculture, transport and the economy;
3. Call on Wales and UK Government to provide the support and resources to make this possible;
4. Work with other local areas, particularly the community councils and other partners in the Dyfi Biosphere;
5. Report within six months with the actions the town can take to address this emergency, for example increasing the energy efficiency of the Plas, or working with the town’s purchasing policy;
6. Agreed to discuss with Renew Wales how they might support this process.

18 December 2018, Langport Town Council, England, UK, population 1,081

Langport Town Council unanimously passed a motion to acknowledge the Climate Emergency and commit to attempt carbon neutrality by 2030.
motion text

 

Recommendations:

1. Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’ This will help to raise the profile of this vital issue and secure external support and funding.
2. Pledge to support Langport to become carbon neutral by 2030;
3. Call on Westminster and other Governmental authorities to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible
4. Sign up to the Covenant of Mayors;
5. Engage with local groups and businesses to develop a plan of action and report back to council in six months time.

Resolution from council minutes:

that Langport Town Council acknowledges the climate emergency and will work with the relevant community groups to champion becoming a carbon neutral community by 2030.

7 January 2019, Scarborough Borough Council, England, UK, population 108,736

A meeting of full council passed a Greens motion to declare a Climate Emergency and commit to attempt carbon neutrality by 2030.
motion text

 

Tory Scarborough commits to carbon neutral by 2030

Text of the full motion.

The motion commits the borough council to:

1. Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’;
2. Pledge to do everything within the Council’s power to make the Borough of Scarborough carbon neutral by 2030.
3. Call on Westminster to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible;
4. Work with other governments (both within the UK and internationally) to determine and implement best practice methods to limit Global Warming to less than 1.5°C;
5. Continue to work with partners across the borough and region to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans;
6. Submit a bid as part of the Council’s budget setting process for an additional £80,000 to fund a ‘Sustainability’ Officer Post for a two year period to champion the scoping and delivery of the Borough Council’s Carbon Neutral 2030 commitment.

15 January 2019, Bradford District Council, England, UK, population 537,173

See details of the Bradford Climate Emergency Declaration motion.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
17 December 2019: investing an extra £1m revenue funding over the next year as part of approximately £25m of new investments to tackle climate change across the district. Details here.
motion text


The resolution text:

Council therefore:

1) joins London, Bristol, Manchester and other UK local authorities in declaring a ‘Climate Emergency’;

2) commits to becoming a carbon-neutral organisation by 2030 (including Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions as defined by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol);

3) requests that the Leader of Council reports back to Council within six months with an Action Plan and ‘roadmap’ to ensure that Bradford Council becomes a carbon-neutral organisation by 2030;

4) requests that the Leader of Council reports back to Council within six months with detailed information about how the Council will work with partners across the Leeds City Region and with central government to seek to ensure that Bradford District’s net carbon emissions (Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3) are reduced by 90% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels;

5) requests that the Chief Executive establishes a ‘Bradford District Climate Change Board’ before the end of 2019, equivalent to that of Manchester, to underpin our efforts to decarbonise Bradford District;

6) requests that the Chief Executive writes to the government requesting (a) additional powers and funding to make our 2030 target possible and (b) that ministers work with other governments to ensure that the UK maximizes carbon reduction by 2030 in line with the overriding need to limit global warming to a maximum of 1.5°C.

15 January 2019, Stithians Parish Council, England, UK, population 2,101

Unanimously declared a Climate Emergency and set a carbon neutral target date of 2030.
motion text

 

Full minutes are here.
Excerpt:

RESOLVED:
1. To declare a ‘climate emergency’;
2. To pledge to work towards making Stithians Parish carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions;
3. To call on Westminster and Cornwall Council to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible;
4. To work with government to determine and implement best practice methods to limit Global Warming to less than 1.5⁰C;
5. To continue to work with partners across the parish of Stithians to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans;
6. To prepare, in conjunction with SEG, a report within 6 months stating the actions Stithians Parish Council will take to address this emergency.

16 January 2019, Kirklees Council, England, UK, population 438,727

See the full agenda item passed by the Kirklees Council.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
15 July 2019: Making good progress on LED street light conversion scheme
20 July 2019: buying a new fleet of electric and hybrid vehicles to replace diesel ones and saving vast amounts of energy by replacing street lights. 27 electric vans, 20 full electric cars and 50 hybrid cars are being ordered.
12 November 2019: Climate Emergency Action Plan
motion text

 

The resolution text:

We therefore resolve to:

1. Declare a Climate Emergency and publicise this to the people of Kirklees to raise awareness, and support the public to take effective action.

2. Request Cabinet initiate a full Environmental Audit of Kirklees Council to measure its carbon footprint, identify hotspots and work toward being carbon neutral in line with the latest targets set and agreed by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; with Cabinet to report to the first meeting of the working party, referred to at 4 below on the scope of the environmental audit

3. Significantly improve our recycling rate to reach the target of 55% by 2025, and ask that the Cabinet implement a range of short term measures to improve recycling rates, in advance of a full review of the waste collection and disposal service.

4. To set up a Councillor Working Party including the appropriate Cabinet Lead with a remit to:

a) Commission and oversee the Environmental Audit

b) Consult expert opinion in the field, as appropriate

c) Identify practical measures to reduce emissions and the Council’s carbon footprint

d) encourage action in the wider community, businesses and other key organisations e.g. NHS and Educational Institutions

e) Report to Full Council within six months with an action plan to address the Emergency and incorporating proposals on the investment implications of this proposed activity

5. The Council to consider Environmental Impact as part of any new policy

6. The Council to seek to collaborate with other Local and Regional Authorities on emission reduction projects as appropriate. The Leader of the Council to write to the Minister of State for Climate Change and Industry requesting that national policy is urgently developed to reflect the seriousness of the current emergency and to release funds to local authorities that would allow them to take the necessary measures at local level.

22 January 2019, Cornwall Council, England, UK, population 565,968

Cornwall Council (representing the entire Cornwall County) declared a Climate Emergency almost unanimously.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
1. February 20 update: started to take action with: “a total of £17 million is being invested from Highways England’s Cycling, Safety and Integration Designated Fund, alongside a further £2 million from Cornwall Council towards a comprehensive, high-quality off-road walking and cycling.”

2. March 1: The Council are currently allocating internal resources to begin the formulation of an action plan and are inviting the public to offer suggestions.

3. Council set up contact page for residents to submit their questions, suggestions, and ideas about implementing Climate Emergency action.

4. 17 June 2019: Council is attempting to engage everyone in their community by asking residents to pledge to some or all of 10 suggested actions.

5. 17 July 2019: Plans for massively increased forest cover

6. 24 July 2019: Cabinet unanimous approval for the recently developed Climate Emergency Plan.
7. 28 October 2019: New council housing being built with solar PV and heated by electricity, heat pumps, or similar instead of by gas
8. 8 November: Encouraging parish-level and local group initiatives and collaboration
motion text

 

Full minutes of the discussion and the final resolution are here.
Original January 2019 motion:

RESOLVED that the Council
1. Declare a ‘climate emergency’.
2. Call on Westminster to provide the powers and resources necessary to achieve the target for Cornwall to become carbon neutral by 2030 and commit to work with other Councils with similar ambitions.
3. Provide adequate staff time and leadership to prepare a report within six months to establish how Cornwall can sufficiently reduce carbon emissions through energy efficiency, low-carbon fuels and investment in renewable energy and other Council strategies, plans and contracts within a timescale which is consistent with an ambition to restrain Global Warming to 1.5?C. This will draw together the actions Cornwall Council is already and will continue to take; and where possible, outline partners’ commitments to move towards a carbon neutral Cornwall by 2030.

23 January 2019, Milton Keynes Council, England, UK, population 261,750

Declared a Climate Emergency. Agenda is here.
motion text

 

Minutes of the meeting, with full wording of the approved motion are on P13-15 here.
Excerpt:

That the Council agrees to:
(a) declare a ‘Climate Emergency’;
(b) fully support making Milton Keynes the World’s Greenest City;
(c) support the pledge to make Milton Keynes carbon neutral by 2030 and carbon negative by 2050;
(d) call on Central Government to work with local authorities to provide the powers and resources to make the ambitious targets possible;

23 January 2019, Lambeth Council, England, UK, population 325,917

Lambeth Council passed a Climate Emergency Declaration motion at a full council meeting and set a 2030 carbon neutral target date.
motion text


Minutes of the meeting are here.
Excerpt:

Full Council resolves to:
1. Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’;
2. Pledge to work to make the Borough of Lambeth carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions
3. Call on Westminster to address their chronic lack of action and funding for carbon reduction initiatives by providing the powers and resources to the Mayor of London and local authorities to make the 2030 target possible;
4. Continue to work with other Local Authorities (within London and across the UK) to determine and implement best practice methods to limit Global Warming to less than 1.5°C;
5. Continue to work with partners across the borough and beyond to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans;

28 January 2019, Oxford City Council, England, UK, population 154,600

Oxford City Council unanimously passed a Climate Emergency Declaration motion.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
Launched a £41m hybrid battery project to heat 300 homes and power an electric vehicle hub.
22 November 2019: Published report from Citizens Assembly
15 December 2019: revealed its £19 million plan to respond to the recommendations made by this summer’s Citizens Assembly on Climate Change
30 January 2020: Set carbon neutral target date of 2020 for council operaitons and 2030 for city area
motion text


The full motion is here.
Excerpt:

Council therefore agrees to:
1. Join other Councils in declaring a Climate Emergency;
2. Call on Westminster to provide the necessary powers and resources to make local action on climate change
easier;
3. Request Scrutiny to urgently review and make recommendations on revisions to the Council’s 2017-
2022 Carbon Management Plan in light of the recent IPCC report and the latest Oxford City Council data
(published August 2018). This should include the setting of an early carbon neutral target for the City
Council and a governance structure to ensure close monitoring of the Plan;
4. Continue to work with partners across the city and region to deliver widespread carbon reductions.

28 January 2019, Aberystwyth Town Council, Wales, UK, population 16,420

The declaration was prompted by an online petition issued by the Aberystwyth branch of Extinction Rebellion and supported by student strikers.
motion text

 

The motion is here.

In response to the petition, and given that many of the actions requested by the petition are not within the legal responsibilities of the Council, the Council RESOLVED to take action to address climate and biodiversity issues only within its areas of responsibility:

to draft an open letter to Westminster, the Welsh Government and the County Council to declare its recognition of the climate change and biodiversity emergency and to ask them to respond to it fully and to take proper action to combat the emergency.

to plan a series of meetings to engage with the residents of the town to develop a plan of action and to publicise what the Town Council is doing.

29 January 2019, Norwich City Council, England, UK, population 141,818

Supporters of the original Climate Emergency Declaration motion regard the amended motion that was passed as being a failure, but the amended motion does meet our criteria for inclusion in the Google Map above.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
9 October 2019: Won RIBA Stirling prize for new council housing built to passivhaus standards
motion text


Minutes of the meeting P13-14 are here.
The amended motion as passed:

RESOLVED, with 29 voting in favour and 4 abstentions:-
Humans have caused profound climate change. The world is set to overshoot the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C limit. The recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report describes the enormous harm that a 2° rise in temperature is likely to cause, saying that limiting temperate rise to 1.5° may still be possible with ambitious action. In order to limit the effects of Climate Breakdown, humans must urgently reduce our carbon equivalent emissions from their current 6.5 tonnes per person per year to less than 2 tonnes. Authorities around the world are declaring a ‘Climate Emergency’ and committing resources to address this emergency.

Council RESOLVES to:
(1) Acknowledge the conclusions of scientists that climate temperature rise should be limited to 1.5°C. This is a Climate Emergency.
(2) Understand that declarations of ‘Climate Emergency’ are inextricably linked with Social and Economic emergencies which affect ordinary people globally and locally: all of these are equally important in achieving truly sustainable communities.
(3) Pledge to continue the work to make the city of Norwich carbon neutral as soon as possible, taking into account both production and consumption emissions
(4) Continue and expand its work of building climate-change resilient social housing
(5) Continue promotion of climate-change resilient planning and building
(6) Call on Westminster to provide the powers and resources to make this possible;
(7) Work with other local authorities to determine and implement best practice methods to limit global warming to less than 1.5°C;
(8) Ask Cabinet to:
a) Continue to work with partners across the city and region to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans, framed by the 2040 Vision.
b) to report to council within six months with the actions the cabinet will take to address this emergency.

30 January 2019, Lancaster City Council, England, UK, population 144,246

Lancaster City Council passed the motion unanimously. The motion, which was proposed by Labour party councillor Kevin Frea, was strongly supported by local youth, who gathered the 1,500 signatures necessary to force a debate in the council in just three days.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
March 2019: Convened a Climate & Environmental Emergency Conference for Councillors, Citizens & Experts, Young & Old, to come together and share ideas, experience, inspiration, information and actions from their local areas.
28 October 2019: Plans for solar farm, electric garbage trucks, replacing gas heating, and more
motion text


Council will set up a Climate Change Cabinet Liaison group immediately, involving councillors, residents, young people and academics.

Text of the amended motion is here.

Excerpt:

We, the undersigned, therefore call on Lancaster City Council to:
1. Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’, which involves taking action outlined in the following clauses;
2. Support the setting up of a Climate Change Cabinet Liaison group immediately, involving Councillors, residents, young citizens and experts from the two Universities and other relevant parties. Over the following 12 months, the Group will review the 2010 Lancaster City Council Climate Change Strategy and help the Council develop a new carbon budget taking into account both production and consumption of emissions;
• Call on the UK Government to provide the powers, resources and help with funding to make this possible;
• Draw upon the observations, insights and reports of the Citizens’ Assembly;
• Review the Council’s Investment Strategy to give due weight to Climate Change targets in the Investment portfolio;
• Report to Full Council prior to the next budget cycle with a fully costed action plan to address this emergency to feed into the 2020 budget;

3. Request that the Cabinet member with responsibility for Climate Change, working with the Climate Change Cabinet Liaison group, convenes a Citizens’ Assembly in 2019 in order to help identify how the Council’s activities might be made net-zero carbon by 2030;

30 January 2019, Calderdale Borough Council, England, UK, population 200,100

Declared a Climate Emergency.
motion text

 

Full text of motion is at the bottom of this page.
Excerpt:

This Council therefore:
– Declares a Climate Emergency;
– Notes that the Council and Borough are on course to meet their 2020
CO2 reduction target of 40%;
– Notes that our current targets are inadequate to respond to the
challenge of keeping global temperature rises below 1.5c.
ThIs Council Requests that:
(a) the Cabinet set up a Calderdale Climate Change Committee to respond to
this challenge, that meets in public with wide representation including from all
party groups;
(b) the Cabinet through this Committee sets a new target and action plan for
Calderdale to be carbon neutral;
(c) resolves to work with other local authorities and West Yorkshire Combined
Authority on carbon reduction projects to ensure the UK is able to deliver on its
climate commitments; and
(d) Council calls on the Government to provide the resources and powers so
that Calderdale can make its contribution to the Uk’s Carbon Reduction targets.

1 February 2019, Leicester City Council, England, UK, population 329,839

Declared a Climate Emergency
PROGRESS SO FAR:
19 December 2019: seeking community feedback on new action plan
motion text


Decision record is here.

Decision:
(1) Declare a Climate Emergency for the city.
(2) Address this state of emergency by developing a new programme of action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for a changing climate in the next Sustainability Action Plan for the city.
(3) Commission a review and updating of the council’s climate change targets, in light of the Climate Emergency.

6 February 2019, Sheffield City Council, England, UK, population 582,506

The vast majority of the council (minus one UKIP councillor) agreed that we are in a ‘Climate Emergency’ and that councillors want to work together on cross party action.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
New 2030 Carbon Neutral Target and Climate Crisis Citizens Assembly Announced As City Comes Together To Tackle The Climate Emergency
17 December 2019: City Taxis’ £50m plan to convert to an all electric, 1,500-car fleet
motion text


Full minutes for the motion are P24 here.
Excerpt from the resolution:

(j)therefore declares unequivocally that our city, country and planet are facing a CLIMATE EMERGENCY;
(k)notes that as a result of this call for action, the Green City Partnership Board will be exploring how Sheffield should respond to the IPCC report, both in terms of actions as well as reviewing our existing commitment to become a zero carbon city by 2050;
(l)supports this Administration‟s commitment to report back to Full Council within 6 months, with a more ambitious date for the city to become zero carbon, accompanied by an action plan setting out the required work to deliver anew goal through all relevant strategies and plans, and would entirely and actively welcome the involvement of the cross-party scrutiny system in shaping and overseeing this vital work;
(m)notes that 1.5°C of warming is most likely to occur around 2040 and therefore believes we need to take radical action to decarbonise well before this time at local, national and global levels of governance;
(n)notes that, for Sheffield to be carbon neutral by 2030, it will require broad political consensus and public support for radical policymaking proposals;
(o)believes that citizen involvement should be central to climate action decision-making in order to demonstrate consensus and community support, and that the zero carbon Sheffield by 2030 target also requires an evidence-based approach that is informed by experts:
(p)notes the concerns raised across the country into the exploration of shale gas and recent earthquakes attributed to fracking across the UK;
(q)notes that the ten local authorities thatmake up Greater Manchester will write into their planning policies a „presumption‟ against any request to drill for shale gas and that the Greater Manchester Region have adopted a region-wide policy of opposition to fracking;
(r)calls for Sheffield CityCouncil to write into its planning policies a „presumption‟ against any request to drill for shale gas; and
(s)calls for all local authorities in the Sheffield City Region to commit to a policy of opposition to fracking.

7 February 2019, Edinburgh City Council, Scotland, UK, population 518,500

Passed a ‘Climate Emergency 2030’ motion.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
9 August 2019: Making all new schools meet the passivhaus standard, and investigating how to make old council buildings more energy efficient
23 October 2019: Action plan for the entire city to be carbon neutral by 2030
motion text


Minutes of the meeting are here.
The motion:

Council;
1) Notes the recent United Nations IPCC report advising that climate-changing pollution must be very significantly reduced over the next 11 years to 2030, in order to prevent global average temperatures increasing beyond 1.5 degrees C and to reduce irreversible, catastrophic impacts of climate change;
2) Notes that other local authorities, including Bristol, Scarborough and the London Assembly, have responded to the UN report by declaring a Climate Emergency and setting targets and action plans in-line with the reduction of climate-changing pollution necessary;
3) Notes the draft Climate Bill going through the Scottish Parliament that will require local authorities to act in accordance with increased targets for reducing climate-changing pollution by at least 90% by 2050 and also the pressure to increase this target to zero carbon by 2050;
4) Further notes the first conclusion from the recent Sustainability Audit by of Professor Andy Kerr of the ECCI that:
‘The City of Edinburgh Council has an unprecedented opportunity to set Edinburgh on a course that will deliver rapid improvements in social and economic wellbeing for its citizens, as well as meeting stretching climate and environmental targets. This would put Edinburgh at the forefront of global cities’.
5) Therefore calls Council to address these concerns within the Council’s response to Professor Kerr’s Audit due for consideration at the Corporate Policy and Strategy Committee in May. This report should include a climate Emergency 2030 target in line with the latest UN IPCC advice on remaining within a global average temperature rise of 1.5 degress C above pre-industrial levels, an assessment of emissions from the 1990s to date and an action plan setting how this, and further ambitions, can be achieved. The issues raised by the Divest Scotland deputation will also be addressed in this report, or a separate report to the Pensions Committee, as appropriate.

12 February 2019, Glastonbury Town Council, England, UK, population 8,932

Glastonbury Town Council declared a ‘Climate Emergency’ and pledged to make the operation of Council carbon neutral by 2030; with cross-party support for the Climate Emergency Motion proposed and seconded by Green Councillors Lindsay MacDougall and Jon Cousins.
motion text


Minutes of the meeting are here.
Climate Emergency Motion:

In light of the Intergovernmental Panel on Global Warming’s 2018 special report on Climate Change – warning of the dire consequences of a 1.5 degree rise in global temperatures, and highlighting the need for rapid, far-reaching, and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society – this Council declares a ‘Climate Emergency’ and will:
1) continue to show foresight and leadership when it comes to addressing the issue of Climate Change, having adopted an Environmental Charter, opposed fracking in the Mendips and throughout the UK, installed solar panels on the Town Hall roof, and banned single use plastics;
2) pledge to make the operation of Glastonbury Town Council carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions.

13 February 2019, Tywyn Town Council, Wales, UK, population 3,264

The town council for Tywyn in North Wales voted unanimously to declare a Climate Emergency. This was in response to a motion put forward by local group, Greener Tywyn, supported by 703 signatures from local residents including 188 from the town’s high school students (age 11 – 16).
motion text


Minutes of the meeting are here.
Council agreed to:

1. Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’;
2. Support a community-led consultation enabled by Greener Tywyn Gwyrdd to develop an action plan to:
• reduce Tywyn’s Greenhouse gas emissions to net zero as soon as possible;
• make Tywyn more resilient to climate impacts (eg strong winds/higher tides/drought);
• maximise local benefits of these actions in other sectors such as health, agriculture, transport and the economy;
3. Call on Wales and UK Government to provide the support and resources to make this possible;
4. Work with other local organisations, particularly the community councils and other partners in the area.
5. Discuss with Renew Wales how they might support this process.

13 February 2019, Vale of White Horse District Council, England, UK, population 133,732

Another Oxfordshire council
motion text


Minutes of the meeting, P19-20, are here.
Excerpt:

In light of the above, the Council therefore agrees to:
1. Join other councils in declaring a Climate Emergency;
2. Ask the leader to write to the Secretary of State to seek confirmation of the Government’s intention to work with local government on climate change strategies;
3. Ask that as officers, as per the council’s policies, are currently reviewing policy andstrategies, that specific consideration be given to how policies, and our related decisions and actions, affect our contribution to climate change, and where necessary, update these policies to reduce our impact wherever possible. As far as possible, the reporting templates for Council, Cabinet and committees to be amended to include an ‘Environmental Impact’ section;
4.Ask officers to provide the cost and availability of the most appropriate training options for members and officers about how to promote carbon neutral policies for future consideration by Cabinet;
5. Request the Cabinet member for housing and environment to bring to Council a report on the activities of the Oxfordshire Environmental Partnership, of which the Valeis a member on the Vale’s environmental policies and strategies; and
6. Continue the positive collaborative work with partners across the district, county and wider region to deliver widespread carbon reductions.

18 February 2019, Cheltenham Borough Council, England, UK, population 117,090

From the motion preamble: ‘The consequences of global temperature rising above 1.5°C are so severe that preventing this from happening must be humanity’s number one priority’
PROGRESS SO FAR:

7 March 2019: increased car parking charges to encourage use of more sustainable transport
motion text


Full minutes for the motion P22 are here.

The resolution:

Full Council calls on the Cabinet to:
Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’;
Pledge to make Cheltenham carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions;
Call on Westminster to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible;
Work with other governments (both within the UK and internationally) to determine and implement best practice methods to limit Global Warming to less than 1.5°C;
Continue to work with partners across the town, county and region to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans;
Report to Full Council within six months with the actions the Council will take to address this emergency.

18 February 2019, Chard Town Council, England, UK, population 13,074

Chard Town Council supported a motion tabled by Dave Bulmer to declare a Climate Emergency and set the wheels in motion to make Chard Carbon Neutral by 2028. Minutes of the meeting are here.

18 February 2019, Wirksworth Town Council, England, UK, population 5,038

Declared a Climate Emergency. Minutes of the meeting are here.

19 February 2019, North Somerset District Council, England, UK, population 213,919

This Conservative-controlled council unanimously backed a call to target zero carbon by 2030 and declare a climate Emergency.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
29 October 2019: Rewilding program
1 December 2019: Released a 7-point action plan, including employing a dedicated climate emergency project manager
11 February 2020: Rejected Bristol airport expansion plans on climate emergency grounds
motion text


See minutes of meeting (COU101) here.
Excerpt:

Resolved: that this Council
(1) recognises the serious global Climate Challenge Emergency;
(2) asks officers to prepare a report on the actions North Somerset Council could take with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 with an idea of costings, aiming to bring back a report to Council around June; and
(3) asks the Chief Executive to write to the Government minister on our achievements and asks for resources when we know what the detailed proposals might be.

20 February 2019, Carmarthenshire County Council, Wales, UK, population 187,568

The 4th Welsh Council and the 2nd Welsh county-level council to declare a Climate Emergency. Unanimously supported. Council also set a 2030 carbon neutral target date.
motion text

 

Minutes Item 7.1 is here.
Excerpt:

Therefore, we propose that Carmarthenshire County Council

1. Declare a Climate Emergency

2. Commit to making Carmarthenshire County Council a net zero carbon local authority by 2030

3. Develop a clear plan for a route towards being net zero carbon within 12 months

4. Call on Welsh and UK Governments to provide the necessary support and resources to enable effective carbon reductions

5. Work with Public Services Board and Swansea Bay City Deal partners to develop exciting opportunities to deliver carbon savings

6. Collaborate with experts from the private sector and 3rd sectors to develop innovative solutions to becoming net zero carbon.

20 February 2019, Somerset County Council, England, UK, population 559,399

Another county-level council, this time a Conservative one in England. In declaring a climate emergency, the Council recognised the scale and urgency of the global challenge posed by climate change as defined by the latest Special Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and set a 2030 carbon neutral target date.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
9 January 2020: Launched a survey asking residents for their views on how to most effectively prioritise potential climate emergency actions
motion text


Item 10 in the minutes is here.
Excerpt:

The Council RESOLVED to
a)affirm the Council’s recognition of the scale and urgency of the global challenge from climate change, as documented by the latest Special Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and declares a climate emergency; and
b)mandate the Policy and Place Scrutiny Committee to review and recommend what further corporate approaches can be taken through a SCC Climate Change Strategy and to facilitate stronger Somerset-wide action through collaboration at a strategic, community and individual level; and
c)pledge to work with partners, including the Heart of the South West LEP, individuals and community action groups across the county to identify ways to make Somerset carbon neutral by 2030, taking intoaccount both production and consumption emissions (scope 1, 2 and 3); and
d)write to the Secretaries of State for Business Energy & Industrial Strategy, Transport, Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Housing, Communities & Local Government calling for the creation, provision or devolution of powers and resources to make achievement of the 2030 target possiblehere in Somerset; and
e)report to Full Council before the end of 2019 with the actions the Councilhas and will take to address this emergency; and
f)allocate £25,000 from the Council’s 2018/19 contingency budget and authorise the Lead Director for Economic and Community Infrastructure to utilise this funding to resource the work necessary to support Scrutiny Committee for Policies and Place and to assess any specific recommendations and financial implications. Any unspent allocation will be carried forward into 2019/20 to continue the work.

20 February 2019, Durham County Council, England, UK, population 526,980

Declared a Climate Emergency, and adopted a target to reduce carbon emissions by 60 per cent by 2030 and to investigate actions to make County Durham ‘carbon neutral’ by 2050.
motion text

 

Agenda and minutes are here.
Excerpt:

Full Council agrees to:
1. Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’;

2. Immediately adopt a new Durham County Council target of 60% by 2030 making significant progress towards making Durham County Council and County Durham carbon neutral taking into account both production and consumption emissions;

3. Investigate what further actions are necessary to make County Durham Carbon Neutral by 2050 and pledge to achieve this;

4. Call on Westminster to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 and 2050 targets possible;

5. Work with other agencies and bodies (both within the UK and internationally) to determine and implement best practice methods to limit Global Warming to less than 1.5°C;

6. Continue to work with partners across the county and region to identify opportunities for innovation, develop clean industries and a green economy and ensuring we have the right infrastructure for our communities to deliver on these new targets through all relevant strategies and plans;

7. Report to Full Council within six months with the actions the Council will need to take to achieve the new 2030 target and supply an initial report on what actions would be required to achieve a carbon neutral County Durham by 2050.

21 February 2019, Somerset West and Taunton Council, England, UK, population 149,800

Councillor Dave Mansell’s motion to declare a climate emergency was unanimously agreed by the Shadow Full Council for Somerset West and Taunton, which will soon take over as the new district authority.
motion text


Full motion text is here.
Excerpt:

Shadow Full Council resolves:
1.To declare a climate emergency.
2.With partners across the district and region, to start working towards making Somerset West and Taunton carbon neutral by 2030, taking into accountemissions from both production and consumption.
3.To call on the UK Government to provide guidance and the powers and resources to make carbon neutrality possibleby writing to local MPs, the Secretaries of State for Business Energy & Industrial Strategy, Transport, Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Housing, Communities & Local Government.
4.To develop a Carbon Neutrality and Climate Resilience Plan, starting fromJuly 2019, with a cross party working groupand the necessary officer support to assist with investigative work, drafting the plan and the delivery of early projects.
5.To report to Full Council before the end of2019 with costedproposals for projects for the Council to effectively start addressingthe climateemergency…

21 February 2019, Cambridge City Council, England, UK, population 125,758

Following a petition which attracted the signatures of over 2,000 local residents, Council declared a Climate Emergency but with a 2050 zero carbon target rather than the 2030 target in the original motion.
motion text

 

Full text of minutes here.
Excerpt:

This council declares a climate emergency and we:
Will continue to reduce the council’s building and fleet emissions through developing and investing in carbon reduction projects and we will update our Carbon Management Plan regularly.
Will continue to support residents and businesses in Cambridge to reduce their emissions using the powers and funding currently available to the council.
Will establish a Cambridge Climate Charter calling on all organisations, businesses and individuals in the city to each establish their own Carbon Management Plans and to commit to reducing their carbon emissions which will help us to work towards our city’s net carbon-zero aspiration.
Will continue to work with the Greater Cambridge Partnership and Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority to promote sustainable transport.
Will establish a Clean Air Zone in Cambridge

21 February 2019, Devon County Council, England, UK, population 795,286

Declared a Climate Emergency. An amendment asking for a 2030 zero carbon target was defeated.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
16 May 2019: Public bodies, business representatives and utility companies – all members of a new Devon Climate Emergency Response Group – are supporting urgent action on the climate emergency, and councillors unanimously agreed to set aside £250,000 towards an initiative to persuade organisations, communities and individuals to do more to reduce global warming.
21 August 2019: formation of Net-Zero Task Force to assist all councils in the county
October 2019: Launch of Devon Climate Emergency website
17 December 2019: Launch of Climate Change Action Plan
motion text


Full text of minutes (Item 185) is here.

Excerpt:
(a) the Council reaffirms its recognition of the scale and urgency of the global challenge from climate change, as documented by the latest Special Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and declares a climate emergency; and
(b) mandates the Environmental Performance Board to review and recommend what further corporate approaches can be taken through the DCC Climate Change Strategy and Corporate Energy Policy and to facilitate stronger Devon-wideaction through collaboration at a strategic, community and individual level.

25 February 2019, Mendip District Council, England, UK, population 114,881

Full Council passed a Climate Emergency Motion put forward by Green Party Cllr Shane Collins. It was passed with cross party support having been seconded by Ros Wyke, leader of the Lib Dems and supported by the Conservatives, with two abstentions.
motion text

 

Minutes Item 10 are here.
Excerpt:

RESOLVED To:
1.Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’;
2.To make best endeavours, using its powers and resources, including both financial and officer time, to enable the district of Mendip to be carbon neutral by 2030;
3.Call on Westminster to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible;
4.Work with other councils and governments to determine and implement best practice methods to limit Global Warming to less than 1.5°C;
5.Continue to work with partners across the district and region to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans;
6.Commit £100K to fund action in the scoping and delivery of the District Council’s Climate Emergency 2030 commitment.
7.Report to Full Council every six months with the actions the Council will take to address this emergency.

25 February 2019, Saint Just-in-Penwith Town Council, England, UK, population 4690

Declared a Climate Emergency
PROGRESS SO FAR:
24 June 2019: called on the entire town to help
motion text

 

The minutes (TC278) are here.

Sue James suggested St Just Town Council joins other councils in declaring a climate emergency. Further, the Council also commits to the following:
1.When it owns buildings, following devolution, it will look at how to reduce energy and water consumption and consider carefully where itbuys its energy,consistent with this declaration;
2.Over the remainder of this administration, as opportunities arise, it will review policies, procedures and contracts to minimise the council’s impact on the local environment and the planet;
3.Engage with residents and others to learn and strive to reduce our carbon footprint, including considering the LGA guide to Councillors.
RESOLVED: That theTown Council joins other councils in declaring a climate emergency and agrees to the three commitments shown above.

26 February 2019, Wiltshire Council, England, UK, population 498,064

The Executive had initially turned down the proposition of going carbon neutral by 2030, but the motion was eventually passed by 36 to 32 with lots of abstentions. The campaign was led by the Lib Dems who have 20 seats on the Council.
motion text


Minutes P22 are here.
Excerpt:

Full Council calls on the Cabinet to:
1. Acknowledge that there is a ‘Climate Emergency’.
2. Pledge to make the County of Wiltshire carbon neutral by 2030.
3. Requests and supports the work of Overview and Scrutiny to set up a task group of the
Environment Select Committee to develop recommendations and a plan to achieve this pledge
along with undertaking a carbon / renewables audit.
4. Call on Westminster to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible.
5. Work with other local government authorities (both within the UK and internationally) to
determine and implement best practice methods to limit Global Warming to less than 1.5°C.
6. Continue to work with partners in the private sector and civil society across the County and region to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans.
7. Report to Full Council on a six-monthly basis with the actions the Council is taking and will take to address this emergency and reporting these against the Carbon / Renewables Baseline audit.

26 February 2019, Reading Borough Council, England, UK, population 163,203

Unanimously passed a climate emergency declaration motion and set a 2030 carbon neutral target date
PROGRESS SO FAR:
December 2019: 10 climate actions underway
motion text


Full text is in the minutes here.
Excerpt:

Resolved –
Reading Borough Council (RBC) believes the world is now clearly in the midst of a climate emergency and that more concerted and urgent action is needed at local,national and international level to protect our planet for future generations. As such, this Council commits to playing as full a role as possible – leading by exampleas well as by exhortation – in achieving a carbon neutral Reading by 2030.
….

See the link above. It is a long motion containing many detailed actions.

26 February 2019, South Lakeland District Council, England, UK, population 103,658

Voted unanimously in support of a motion ‘confirming’ the Climate Emergency.
motion text

 

Full text here. Scroll down to Item (2).
Excerpt:

Council confirms that we are facing a climate emergency.
Council now urges government to recognise this urgency and to work with local authorities, health services, businesses, consumers, farmers, educational institutions and all other interested bodies to reduce to zero as quickly as possible our carbon emissions and their equivalents.

26 February 2019, St Neots Town Council, England, UK, population 30,811

Voted unanimously to declare a Climate Emergency and to set up a working party of 8 people to begin investigating how to become carbon-neutral by 2030, with not only Councillors but also interested members of the public in the working party.
motion text

 

Minutes Item 105 is here.

It was proposed and seconded that St Neots Town Council join with other local authorities in declaring a Climate Emergency and to work towards becoming carbon-neutral by 2030. A working party from the Council and other organisations to be set up to work together to explore how this may be done. This will fulfil 3 functions, leadership, action and encouragement by stating our concerns and may inspire others. The working part to report back to Council in 6 months time.
RESOLVED unanimously to accept the proposal.

27 February 2019, Lewisham Council, England, UK, population 303,536

Lewisham Council became the second London borough to declare a climate emergency and will now set about reorganizing its work and priorities to deliver a carbon neutral borough by 2030.
motion text

 

Minutes are here. Passed unanimously.
Excerpt:

Lewisham Council resolves to:
1. Declare a ‘climate emergency’
2. Recognise that a changing climate will have severe and enduring social, economic
and environmental implications, and that tackling climate change is an issue of inequality
as the greatest impact will be on the most vulnerable and those least able to protect
themselves.
Call on the Mayor and Cabinet to:
1. Pledge to do everything within their power to make Lewisham carbon neutral by 2030.
2. Launch a review to report to on delivering a Zero-Carbon Lewisham including:
• Publishing a new Lewisham Action Plan on Climate Change, with an interim draft
ready for scrutiny by the Sustainable Development Select Committee and Mayor &
Cabinet before the end of the municipal year 2019/20.
• Setting specific and measurable targets to reduce carbon emissions for the Council
and for the borough as a whole, including costed milestones to zero-carbon;
• Consider systematically the climate change impact of each area of the Council’s
activities;
• Increase local resilience to climate impacts already in the system.
3. Task an Executive Director with responsibility for reducing the carbon emissions
resulting from the Council’s activities as rapidly as possible, and ensuring a coordinated
approach across housing, our corporate estate, transport, regeneration, planning and
other services.
4. Continue to prioritise support for vulnerable residents through the Council’s fuel poverty
programmes working with partners at a community, borough wide and regional level to
provide advice services and access to funding for heating, insulation and ventilation.
5. Accelerate existing programmes to deliver reductions in greenhouse gas emissions
including delivery of heat networks in the borough, low carbon development and high
quality housing, an efficient and low carbon corporate estate and support for renewables
and for community energy.
6. Work with partner bodies across the borough and across London to ensure the climate
emergency is adequately reflected in the development and implementation of all borough
wide strategies and plans.
7. Reaffirm Lewisham’s membership of UK100, and use our membership to work with
other councils across the UK to meet climate change targets.
8. Draw up a communications strategy to support delivery of a Zero-Carbon Lewisham
and enable Lewisham residents to make low carbon choices.
9. Call on the UK Government to provide the powers and resources to make this possible.

27 February 2019, Ards and North Down Borough Council, Northern Ireland, UK, population 160,864

Ards and North Down Borough Council passed Northern Ireland’s first Climate Emergency motion. Led by Green Party councillors Rachel Woods and Barry McKee, the motion was agreed without changes in a full meeting of the Council chamber.
motion text

 

Full details pp38-43 here.
Excerpt:

16.8.Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Woods and Councillor McKee
That this Council notes the recent IPCC report on the impacts of climate breakdown;
agrees that drastic and far-reaching measures must be taken across society to try and mitigate the risks and declares a ‘Climate Emergency’.
It establishes a working group to assess the impact of the activities of Ards and North Down Borough Council on greenhouse gas emissions, exploring what mitigation measures can be put in place as a matter of urgency. This would include bringing the issues of climate breakdown to the fore in the local community and businesses, as well as formulating a climate adaptation plan.

27 February 2019, Welshpool Town Council, Wales, UK, population 6,664

Declared a Climate Emergency and council’s Strategy and Policies Committee will now draw up a list of priorities to help move towards Welshpool being a net-zero carbon producer as soon as possible.
motion text

 

Full details in Appendix B here.
Excerpt:

Motion.That Welshpool Town Council:
1.Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’;
2.Take action to improve the Town Councils own practices to reduce our own contribution to Climate Change. See attached document. TownCouncil Action plan for Declaration of a Climate Emergency (This document is to be referred to the Strategy and Policies Committee for completion)
3.Take action to;
*help move towards Welshpool being a net-zero carbon producer as soon as possible;
*increase local resilience to climate impacts;
*maximise local benefits of these actions in other sectors such as health, agriculture, transport and the economy;
4.Call on Wales and UK Government to provide the support and resources to make this possible;
5.Work with other organisations, such as Renew Wales, other Community Councils and Local businesses to help counter climate change

4 March 2019, Kington Town Council, England, UK, population 2,626

Unanimously declared a Climate Emergency (notified by email from the Town Clerk the motion was passed)
motion text


Minutes Item 15 are here.
– declared a Climate emergency
– postponed setting up a working group till afte new council elected in May

4 March 2019, Feock Parish Council, England, UK, population 3,708

Declared a Climate Emergency
motion text


Minutes Item 13 are here.

13.CLIMATE CHANGE EMERGENCY
Cllr Andrew made the following proposal:
1.Feock Parish Council declares a climate emergency
2.Set up a climate change working party that includes stakeholders, people with an interest and partners(not a formal committee)
3.The working party is tasked with undertaking an audit on our impact on climate change and the impact of climate change on us as a parish
4.The working party engage with residents and stakeholders to put together a costed action plan within 6 months to inform the 2020/21 budget setting process.

4 March 2019, Stonehouse Town Council, England, UK, population 7,725

Declared a Climate Emergency
Motion text is here.

5 March 2019, Carlisle City Council, England, UK, population 108,387

The Climate Emergency Motion was passed, but the Conservatives abstained, saying that they weren’t going to vote for a motion that was “undeliverable and uncosted”. The Council Labour leader Colin Glover said “it’s rightly ambitious. it is much better to go for a very ambitious target and try to achieve that than simply trot along for the next 10 to 15 years and think look we got plenty of time”.
motion text

 

Full text is here.
Excerpt:

Carlisle City Council is committed to reducing carbon emissions, both as an organisation and as the Local Planning Authority and resolves to go further than the UK100 Agreement and to act in line with the scientific consensus that we must reduce emissions to net zero by 2030, and therefore commits to:

Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’ that requires urgent action.

Make the Council’s activities net-zero carbon by 2030

Ensure that all strategic decisions, budgets and approaches to planning decisions are in line with a shift to zero carbon by 2030.

Support and work with all other relevant agencies towards making the Carlisle district Zero Carbon within the same timescale;

Achieve 100% clean energy across Carlisle City Council’s full range of functions by 2030

Convene a citizens assembly in 2019 to oversee and feed into the development of related action plans and budgets

5 March 2019, Bedford Borough Council, England, UK, population 171,623

Passed a motion declaring a Climate Emergency and committed to identifying actions needed to achieve a 2030 carbon neutrality target.
motion text

 

Minutes of Item 93 are here.

Excerpt:

RESOLVED:
That it be agreed that the Council:
· Commit to continuing our drive for greater efficiency and sustainability at the council as exemplified by the wide array of actions the council has taken and continues to take.
· Recognise the whole Council’s responsibility to tackle climate change.
· Consider actions available for Bedford Borough Council to reach carbon neutral status by 2030 and that an update on progress be submitted to the Executive in six months’ time.
· Declare a Climate Emergency.
· Pledge to work with other councils and encourage them to also declare a Climate Emergency.
· Work with local MPs to call on the UK parliament to provide Bedford Borough Council (BBC) and other councils with the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible.

Reason for Decision
The Council has a responsibility to the local communities and to safeguard the local environment, by declaring a Climate Emergency this sets the precedent that this issue is a high priority and action is being taken to address this emergency.

5 March 2019, Bradford on Avon Town Council, England, UK, population 9,402

Unanimously declared a Climate Emergency and pledged to be carbon neutral by 2030.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
1 August 2019: launched their Climate Change Emergency Steering Group
motion text


Full minutes are here.
Excerpt:
1. Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’;
2. Pledge to make Bradford on Avon carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both productions and consumption emissions (scope 1,2 and 3’s);
3. Call on Westminster to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible;
4. Work with other governments (both within the UK and internationally) to determine and implement best practice methods to limited global warming to less than 1.5°C;
5. Continue to work with partners across the town and region todeliver this new goal through all relevant strategies andplans;
6. Report to Full Council within six months with the actions the Chairman of the Town Council, together with the Community will take to address this emergency.
Proposed by Cllr Kay seconded by Cllr McNeill-Ritchie and with all in favour RESOLVED: to support the motion

5 March 2019, Mansfield District Council, England, UK, population 109,313

Declared a Climate Emergency
Minute are here.

7 March 2019, Gwynedd Council, Wales, UK, population 124,178

This county council declared a Climate Emergency and swet a 2030 carbon neutral target date.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
9 November 2019: Community-owned electric car scheme
motion text


Full motion text is Item 16c in minutes here.
Excerpt:

The Council therefore resolves to:
Do our utmost to ensure that the county remains a vibrant, viable and sustainable home for our children and their children for generations to come. We do this by means of:
– Declare a Climate Emergency.
– Commit to taking decisive action to reduce carbon emissions and strive for a zero-carbon future.
– Look for innovative means to achieve zero carbon targets.
– Report back within 6 months on positive steps the Council has taken to reduce carbon emissions.
– Call on Welsh Government and the Westminster Government to provide the requisite powers and resources to achieve the target of a carbon-free Gwynedd by 2030.

7 March 2019, Rushcliffe Borough Council, England, UK, population 117,671

Declaration by yet another conservative-controlled council.
motion text

 

Minutes Item 50 is here.

In the light of the recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, declaring a climate emergency, Rushcliffe Borough Council will evaluate the implications of the report and review its 2010 Carbon Management Plan. The review should be undertaken by a relevant scrutiny group, and their findings shall be considered by the Cabinet by no later than March 2020. This Council calls upon the designated scrutiny group to consider the Council setting a carbon neutral target to be achieved by 2030. The commitment to review and implement a refreshed target should also be integrated into the Council’s commitment and leadership to parish councils, business and strategic partners, to deliver widespread carbon reductions across the borough. Rushcliffe Borough Council will continue to call on the Government to provide the necessary powers and resources to make local action on climate change easier.

Councillor S Mallender

7 March 2019, Bideford Town Council, England, UK, population 17,107

Motion to declare a Climate Emergency and become carbon neutral by 2030 passed with just one abstention.
motion text

 

Minutes Item 166 is here but it is not completely clear. There is no mention of the original motion being amended, but the decision statement is worded differently.
Motion:

For Bideford Town Council to declare a ‘Climate Emergency’ and lobby Torridge District Council to do the same. Commit future funds for local sustainable energy projects and aim to make Torridge District zero net carbon by 2030.

Decision:

RESOLVED: That the Motion for Bideford Council to support future initiatives to combat Climate Change is supported.

8 March 2019, Herefordshire County Council, England, UK, population 192,107

Declaration by yet another conservative-controlled council.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
27 September 2019: Set 2030 target date and associated measures to achieve it
motion text


Minutes Item 58 is here.
Excerpt:

RESOLVED: that –
This Council declares its recognition of the climate emergency and calls on the executive to:
a)Commit to an accelerated reduction of the Council’s carbon emissions, with the aspirations to be carbon neutral by 2030; and to change its energy supply to 100% renewable source;
b)Produce a successor to the current Carbon Management Plan (2019-2023) within the early months of the new Council;
c)Work with partners to produce an action plan, covering all relevant council strategies, and to submit this plan via Scrutiny to Cabinet by the end of 2019;
d)Call upon our ‘Re-Energise’ partners to match or better the council’s commitment; to publicise their response and to lead on working with the public to promote and encourage carbon reduction in all aspects of the county’s life;
e)Provide the necessary resource for officers to deliver on the council’s carbon reduction commitments, and to monitor and report annually on the county position; and
f) The council requests the executive to arrange a full day interactive seminar for all councillors as soon as possible to be briefed on and discuss the options that might be open to Herefordshire Council to expedite its carbonfootprint reduction aspiration and improve further the natural environment of Herefordshire.

11 March 2019, New Mills Town Council, England, UK, population 12,291

Declared a Climate Emergency
Council action news is here.
Minutes P15 are here.

12 March 2019, Buckfastleigh Town Council, England, UK, population 3,326

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a 2030 carbon neutral target.
motion text

 

Motion text is here.
Excerpt:

Council thus:
1.Declares a ‘Climate Emergency’;
2.Pledge to do whatever is in our power to make the town of Buckfastleigh carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions (scope 1,2,3);
3.As a first step, we will initiate and support a Buckfastleigh working group/citizens assembly to investigate possible local responses and make recommendations for actions to council.
4.Call on Devon County Council, Teignbridge District Council and Westminster to provide the powers andresources to make the 2030 target possible and to appoint Citizens assemblies to develop the policies to deliver this target;
5.Work with other local authorities, neighbouring local councils (Totnes for example), appropriate government departments (both within the UK and internationally) and other organisations to determine, implement and deliver best practice methods to limit Global Warming to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels;
6.Will place this issue on Council Committee agendas to agree strategies and action plans and regularly review progress.
7.Will, within six months and at regular intervals thereafter, consider and take action on recommendations to address this emergency.

12 March 2019, Watlington Parish Council, England, UK, population 2,727

A motion proposed by Councillor Terry Jackson was supported by the full council. The council may review its energy providers with a view to switching to renewable sources or tariffs, plant more trees and promote energy efficiency and local food.
motion text


Minutes are here.
The motion:

Declaration of a Climate Emergency RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL:
That Council to agree to:
a) Join Councils, such as Bristol, Brighton and Oxford, in declaring a Climate Emergency; Call on Oxfordshire County Council, South Oxfordshire District Council and Westminster to provide the powers and resources to make local action on climate change easier;
b) Work with other local authority organisations such as OALC (Oxfordshire Association of Local Councils) and appropriate government departments (both within the UK and internationally) to determine and implement best practice methods to limit global warming to less than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
c) Recommend to Full Council within six months with the actions the Council could take to address this emergency.
A vote was then taken on a-c – 6 in favour, 1 against- CARRIED

12 March 2019, Ashburton Town Council, England, UK, population 4,170

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a 2050 carbon neutral target date.
motion text


Full minutes are here
Excerpt:

Ashburton Town Council:
1. Declares a climate emergency
2. Ashburton Town Council pledges to work with the local community, business, schools and the district council, Dartmoor National Park and county council with the intention to make Ashburton and Devon Carbon Neutral by 2050 following recommendations from Devon County Council and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [IPCC] 3. Work with other local authorities, organisations and all appropriate government departments, agencies and including the NHS and HGO’s to determine and implement best practice methods to limit Global Warming to less than one and half degrees Celsius.
4. Place this issue on council committee agendas to agree strategies and action plans. This will need to reaffirmed after the election on 2nd May 2019.
5. This Council urges all purchasing authorities in addition to best value criteria to add extra value to sourcing locally to reduce CO2 emissions etc caused by travel mileage.

13 March 2019, Newport Town Council, Wales, UK, population 153,302

Recognised that we face a climate emergency, and resolved that council will take steps to raise awareness in Newport, and will mitigate its own environmental impact.
motion text


Minutes of meeting are here.

Members RESOLVED that Newport Town Council recognises that we face a climate emergency, and that this council will take steps to raise awareness in Newport, and will endeavour to mitigate its own environmental impact.

13 March 2019, Dartington Parish Council, England, UK, population 829

Declared a Climate Emergency
motion text


Declaration text is here. Minutes are here.
Excerpt:

Dartington Parish Council thus:
1.Declares a ‘Climate Emergency’;
2.Aims to encourage and support the community of Dartington to become carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions (scope 1,2,3*);
3.Calls on Westminster, Devon County Council and South Hams District Council to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible;
4.Calls on Westminster to appoint Citizens assemblies to develop the policies to deliver this target;
5.Agrees it will work with other local authority organisations such as neighbouring town and parish Councils, DALC (Devon Association of Local Councils) and appropriate government departments (both within the UK and internationally) to determine and implement best practice methods to limit Global Warming to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels;
6.Agrees it will continue to work with partners across the district, county and region to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans;
7.Agrees it will place this issue on Parish Council agendas to agree strategies and action plans;
8.Agrees it will report the actions the Council will take to address this emergencywithin six months.

14 March 2019, Bath and North East Somerset Council, England, UK, population 192,106

Joint motion from Councillor Rob Appleyard (Liberal Democrat) and Councillor Mark Shelford
(Conservative) after council received a petition with 2,100 signatures.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
May 2019, the new council created a cabinet portfolio specifically for Climate Emergency, and every council decision will now be assessed for how it delivers our climate commitments.
August 2019: Action timeline and suggested actions created, linked to from a prominent button on their Home page.
October 2019: Detailed report on how council and community will achieve carbon neutrality by 2030
23 December 2019: launch of network of local schools taking collective action to help tackle the climate emergency
17 January 2020: launch of parish council action toolkit to assist parishes in their region to tackle the climate emergency. The toolkit is here.
motion text


Item 86 in the full minutes is here.
Excerpt:

Therefore, this Council resolves to;
Therefore, this Council resolves to;
17.Declare a Climate Emergency;
18.Pledge to provide the leadership to enable Bath & North East Somerset to become carbon neutral by 2030;
19.Sign up to the UK100 Pledge to provide the strategic community leadership needed to enable our communities to achieve 100% clean energy across all sectors in Bath & North East Somerset by 2030, as a logical step from the B&NES Environmental Sustainability Vision Motion passed unanimously by Council in July 2018, and as a way to enable carbon neutrality by 2030;
20.Request that the Cabinet takes steps to identify work streams and budgets with the aim of making B&NES Council carbon neutral by 2030, across all functions, as our contribution to fighting climate change;
21.Engage and work in partnership with our partners in the public, private and community sectors including the West of England Combined Authority andcentral government to facilitate bold action to ensure Bath & North EastSomerset is able to play its role in helping the UK to deliver against the commitments made nationally and internationally at the 2015 Paris Summit;
22.Instruct Cabinet to work with the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and our West of England partners to produce an ambitious delivery plan for the West of England Energy Strategy to use as a key tool for seekinggovernment funding to help us deliver our 2030 target;
23.Update the B&NES Environmental Sustainability & Climate Change Strategy in line with this pledge, and, with our partners across the community, to develop an action plan and ‘route map’ to a sustainable, low carbon future for our community;
24.Request a progress report to Council in 6 months’ time, with an annual report on progress to full Council thereafter;
25.Launch real two-way engagement with the public to:
– Improve “carbon literacy” of all citizens;
– Encourage and support leadership on this issue in all sectors of society;
– Obtain meaningful public input into the B&NES Environmental Sustainability & Climate Change Strategy and action planning;
– Facilitate wide community engagement and behavioural change.
26.Oppose the proposed expansion of Bristol Airport

14 March 2019, Bridgwater Town Council, England, UK, population 41,276

Unanimously passed a motion to recognise the scale of the emergency, produce a strategy to deal with it on a local level and to work with partners to face the challenge.

18 March 2019, Plymouth City Council, England, UK, population 263,100

Unanimously passed with cross-party support. The preamble includes, “It is a powerful call to action that engages the entire community; it’s not just about the practical actions that a Council might take.”
PROGRESS SO FAR:
17 December 2019: announced two plans, a Corporate Carbon Reduction Plan focusing on reducing the emissions from council’s own operations, and a Climate Emergency Action Plan which concerns the rest of the city and how everyone can be part of the change needed to reach carbon neutrality by 2030. The plans are here.
motion text


Item 89 in the full minutes is here.
Excerpt:

The City Council resolves to:
(1) Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’
(2) Pledge to make Plymouth carbon neutral by 2030, and commit to working with other councils with similar ambitions
(3) Request the Leader to write to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and
Rural Affairs to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible; and commit to working with other councils with similar ambitions
(4) Work with other governments (both within the UK and internationally) to determine and implement best practice methods to limit Global Warming to less than 1.5°C
(5) Continue to work with partners across the city and region to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans
(6) Report to Full Council within six months with a climate emergency action plan and new corporate carbon reduction plan
(7) Request the Leader to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer stating the concern of the Council with respect to the above, the likely national impact on the economy and on the wellbeing of citizens, and requesting Government funding be made available to implement swift appropriate actions in response.

18 March 2019, Haringey Borough Council, England, UK, population 270,624

A borough of London. Declared a Climate Emergency and set a carbon neutral target date of 2030.
motion text


Minutes of Motion H are here.
Excerpt:

Therefore the full Council agrees to:
1.Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’;
2.Together as a community and with wider stakeholders, collectively work towards making Haringey carbon neutral by 2030, delivering impact on both production and consumption emissions;
3.Call on Westminster Government and the GLA family to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible;
4.Work with other governments (both within the UK and internationally) to determine and implement best practice methods to limit Global Warming to less than 1.5°C;
5.Continue to work with partners across London and regions to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans;
6.Continue to work with partners across the borough and beyond to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans;
7.Report back to Full Councilby the end of the year, with a date for the borough to become zero carbon as soon as possible.

19 March 2019, Portsmouth City Council, England, UK, population 238,800

Motion by Labour Councillors passed with cross-party support.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
10 January 2020: Proposal of some low-cost things council can do
motion text


Minutes of Item 24 are here.
Excerpt:

Portsmouth City council will ask the Cabinet to:
Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’ then ask partners to sign up including local business, schools and community groups.
Pledge to achieve net zero carbon emissions in the Portsmouth by 2030, considering, both production and consumption of emissions according to the Standard provided by the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol6.
Require the Leader of the Council to report back to the Council within six months with an action plan, detailing how the Council will work with partners across the City and with central government to ensure that Portsmouth’s net carbon emissions (Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions as defined by the GHG Protocol) are reduced to zero by 2030.
Provide an annual report on Portsmouth GHG emissions, what is working and what is more challenging and progress towards achieving net zero-carbon emissions.
Require the Chief Executive to establish a ‘Portsmouth Climate Change Board’ before the end of July 2019, equivalent to that of Manchester, to underpin our efforts to decarbonise Portsmouth.
Write to the government requesting (a) additional powers and funding to make the 2030 target possible and (b) that ministers work with local government and other governments to ensure that the UK maximizes carbon reduction by 2030 in line with the overriding need to limit global warming to a maximum of 1.5°C.
Develop and implement a community engagement plan to i) fully inform residents about the need for urgent action on climate change ii) offer a vision of a healthier, more child friendly and greener city that is a model of best practice iii) mobilise residents in the delivery of the action plan

20 March 2019, Tower Hamlets Council, England, UK, population 317,705

A London Borough council. Council passed a motion to declare a Climate Emergency.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
7 August 2019: Carbon emissions reduced by 18% in first 5 months
motion text


Minutes confirming declaration of Climate Emergency are here, but it is not clear how much of the content of the petition below was supported.

We the undersigned petition the council to declare a Climate Emergency and commit to become carbon neutral as a borough by 2025. We call on the council to put in place a revised action plan to meet this 2025 target, with specific commitments, including:
1. Urgently tackle the air pollution crisis caused by burning fossil fuels in Tower Hamlets, which means that children in Tower Hamlets today are growing up with “stunted lungs” and seriously threatened health:
• Rapid implementation of traffic free “School Streets” for all at-risk schools
• An electric-only bus fleet on all TfL bus routes through Tower Hamlets
• Reduce traffic on routes and junctions that are major sources of illegal pollution levels
• Widespread electric vehicle charging points on residential streets
2. Divest: immediately divest all Council funds from fossil fuels.
3.Reduce waste going to landfill: including food waste and disposable nappies
4. Improve energy efficiency and access to affordable green energy for local businesses and residents

20 March 2019, Ide Parish Council, England, UK, population 510

Declared a Climate Emergency. Council Climate Emergency page is here.
motion text


Excerpt:

So I propose that we:
Join other councils in declaring a Climate Emergency.
Report to our Parish Council in 2 months with a specific proposal.
The proposal should include a measurable target, and actions the Council and community can take to achieve the target.
Andy Swain, Parish Councillor, Ide

20 March 2019, Hebden Royd Town Council, England, UK, population 9,558

Declared a Climate Emergency
motion text

 

Hebden Royd Town Council therefore:
Supports Calderdale Council in its declaration of a “Climate Emergency” and all interventions therein.
Declares a “Climate Emergency” itself.
Notes that the Council and Borough are on course to meet their 2020 CO2 reduction target of 40% but despite this we as a Town Council can help contribute small scale interventions to assist even further.
Notes that our current targets are inadequate to respond to the challenge of keeping global temperature rises below 1.5c.
Requests that Hebden Royd Town Council set up a Climate Change Committee to respond to this challenge, that meets in public including cross party representation and other local groups.
Requests that we as a committee work to set a new target and action plan for Hebden Royd Town Council to improve air quality and be carbon neutral.
Resolves to work with other local authorities and Town Councils as well as environmental groups on carbon reduction projects to ensure the UK can deliver on its climate commitments.
Calls on the Government and Calderdale to provide the resources and powers so that our Town Council can make its contribution to the UK’s Carbon Reduction targets.
That we build on projects like the Green Screen due to be installed at Burnley Road Academy by encouraging local groups to access funding for environmental and climate change focused projects. This should have a ring-fenced budget for future years.
That the Council will continue to explore ways to avoid using fossil fuels such as oil, coal and gas and immediately look at switching to renewables
That the Town Council seek to join the ‘Covenant of Mayors’, a global network of town and cities who have committed to reducing carbon emissions by 2030. The network enables members to share best practice, ideas, funding and track progress. This simple action will help to raise the profile of this vital issue both locally and nationally and could secure external support and funding from a proposed Government fund.
That Hebden Royd Town Council encourages other town councils such as Todmorden to considering making such a declaration and our example will help them to do so.

20 March 2019, Abingdon Town Council, England, UK, population 33,130

Declared a Climate Emergency
Council website record: https://www.abingdon.gov.uk/town-council/climate-emergency

21 March 2019, York City Council, England, UK, population 209,893

Councillors voted almost unanimously in favour of declaring a climate emergency and to make York carbon neutral by 2030.
PROGRESS SO FAR
21 August 2019: Two new council officers will be recruited to tackle climate change in York. Other actions include a review of recycling services, planting more trees and putting more money towards maintaining electric vehicle charging points.
3 January 2020: non-essential private cars to be banned from city centre from 2023
motion text


The minutes are here.
Excerpt:

Council calls on the Executive to:
1. Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’.
2. Commit to a target of making York carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumptionemissions (scope 1, 2 and 3 of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol).
3. Request a report within six months setting out the immediate actions the Council will take to address this emergency and a plan to measure annual city-wide progress towards meeting the 2030 target.
4. Work with partners across the city and across the region to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans and drawing on local and global best practice.
5. Actively lobby the Government to provide the additional powers and resources needed to meet the 2030 target.

21 March 2019, Suffolk County Council, England, UK, population 758,556

Passed a motion declaring a Climate Emergency and setting a carbon neutral target date of 2030, with 60 in favour, 1 against, and 1 abstaining.
motion text

 

21 March 2019, Hull City Council, England, UK, population 319,883

Unanimously passed a motion to declare a Climate Emergency and set a carbon neutral target date of 2030.
motion text

 

The original motion here was amended to add in the part declaring a Climate Emergency. The amended motion is Item 129 here.
Excerpt:

Council joins London, Bristol, Manchester and other UK local authorities in declaring a ‘Climate Emergency’.
Council believes that all levels of government havea duty to limit the impacts of Climate Breakdown, and local Councils should not wait for Government to change their policies. It is important for the residents of Hull and the UK that cities commit to carbon neutrality as quickly as possible.
Cities are uniquely placed to lead the world in reducing carbon emissions, as they are in many ways easier to decarbonise than rural areas and bold climate action can deliver economic benefits in terms of new jobs, economic savings and market opportunities.
Council resolves to do everything within the Council’s power to make Hull carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions.
Council commits to continuing to work with partners across the city and region to deliver this new goalthrough all relevant strategies and plans.
Council also resolves to call on the Government to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible, to work with other Governments to determine and implement best practice methods to limit Global Warming to less than 1.5°C and to continue to work with partners across the City and region to deliver this new goalthrough all relevant strategies and plans.
Council requests a report back to Full Council within six months on the actions that will be taken to address and action this resolution.

21 March 2019, Helston Town Council, England, UK, population 11,178

Unanimously passed Mayor John Martin’s motion to declare a Climate Emergency and set a 2030 carbon neutral target date
motion text

 

Minutes of meeting are here.
Excerpt:

RESOLVED –that Helston Town Council:
a) Declare a climate emergency;
b) Pledge to work towards making Helston carbon neutral by 2030;
c) Work with Cornwall Council to assist them with their declaration to make Cornwall carbon neutral by 2030;
d) Act as a voice for the community to lobby for action on climate change, raise the profile and share lessons with higher levels of government;
e) Continue to work with the community of Helston and its surrounding parishes to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans; and
f) As a member of the Helston Climate Action Group, assist with the preparation of an Action Plan within six months to address this emergency.

25 March 2019, Shrewsbury Town Council, England, UK, population 71,715

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a carbon neutral target date of 2030.
PROGRESS SO FAR
18 January 2020: set a small rise in rates to create ‘a designated fund of £250,000 specifically for measures to play our part in responding to the climate emergency’
motion text


Minutes of the meeting are here.
Excerpt:

RESOLVED:
That the Town Council;
i) Supports the Declaration of a Climate Emergency;
ii) Pledges to make the Council carbon neutral by 2030;
iii) Calls on Westminster to provide powers and resources to make this possible;
iv) Signs up to the Covenant of Mayors;
v) Requests that the Finance and General Purposes Committee develops a detailed Action Plan in pursuit of the above objectives and reports back within 6 months;
vi) Calls on Shropshire Council to support the Declaration of a Climate Emergency;
vii) Requests that the Finance and General Purposes Committee provides an open forum for their first meeting so interested parties can contribute to the initial discussions.

25 March 2019, Leominster Town Council, England, UK, population 11,691

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a 2030 carbon neutral target date
motion text


Minutes of the meeting are here.
Excerpt:

The motion was put to the vote and was agreed unanimously:
For: 12 Against: 0 Abstentions: 0
Leominster Town Council RESOLVED to declare its recognition of the climate emergency and agreed to:
a) Support Herefordshire Council in its work to reduce emissions in our area;
b) Commit to an accelerated reduction of its own carbon emissions, with the aspirations to be carbon neutral by 2030; and to change its energy supply to 100% renewable source;
c) Work with partners to produce a Carbon reduction plan, and an action plan;
d) Focus on issues such as active travel, public and community transport, recycling, management of our open spaces to protect and enhance biodiversity, and others where we have a positive role to play;
e) work with our community to enable them to take all possible measures to match or better our efforts;
f) To strongly encourage Herefordshire Council, as the Planning Authority, to include a planning condition for all new development in Herefordshire, both residential and commercial, to fit solar panels.

25 March 2019, Otley Town Council, England, UK, population 13,668

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a 2030 carbon neutral target date.
motion text


[motion text via message from Otley 2030 group]

Resolution: Declaration of a Climate Emergency and Commitment to Action to Achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2030 through an Otley Carbon Neutral 2030 Plan
Policy and Resources Committee notes:
1. Humans have already caused irreversible climate change, the impacts of which are being felt around the world. Global temperatures have already increased by 1 degree Celsius from pre-industrial levels. Atmospheric CO2 levels are above 400 parts per million (ppm). This far exceeds the 350ppm deemed to be a safe level for humanity;
2. In order to reduce the chance of runaway Global Warming and limit the effects of Climate Breakdown, it is imperative that we as a species reduce our CO2eq (carbon equivalent) emissions from their current 6.5 tonnes per person per year to less than 2 tonnes as soon as possible;1
3. Individuals cannot be expected to make this reduction on their own. Society needs to make significant change to legislation, taxation, education and infrastructure to make low carbon living easier and the new standard;
4. Carbon emissions result from both production and consumption;
5. Otley Town Council has already shown foresight when it comes to addressing the issue of Climate Breakdown, having initiated various projects that reduce carbon emissions through reduction of waste resources and increasing energy efficiency such as the Otley Energy Savers project, launch of Refill Otley and MyOtleyCup reuse schemes as well as projects to promote cycling and walking such as Safer Cycling Routes and the Wharfedale Greenway project;
6. Unfortunately, our current plans and actions are not enough. The world is on track to overshoot the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C limit before 2050;2, 3
7. The IPCC’s Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C, published in the autumn of 2018, describes the enormous harm that a 2°C rise is likely to cause compared to a 1.5°C rise, and told us that limiting Global Warming to 1.5°C may still be possible with ambitious action from national and subnational authorities, civil society, the private sector, indigenous peoples and local communities3 ;
8. Local authorities around the world are responding by declaring a ‘Climate Emergency’ and committing resources to address this emergency.

Policy and Resources Committee believes that:
1. All governments (national, regional and local) have a duty to limit the negative impacts of Climate Breakdown, and local governments that recognise this should not wait for their national governments to change their policies. It is important for the residents of Otley and the UK that local authorities commit to 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 humanity’s number one priority; and,
3. Bold climate action can deliver economic benefits in terms of new jobs, economic savings and market opportunities (as well as improved well-being for people worldwide).

Policy and Resources Committee resolves to:
1. Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’;
2. Pledge to do everything within the Town Council’s power to make Otley carbon neutral by 2030.
3. Call on the UK Government to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible;
4. Continue to work with partners across the town and Leeds City Council to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans, noting that Leeds City Council also plans to declare a Climate Emergency in the very near future.

Proposer: Cllr Ray Georgeson
Seconder: Cllr Mick Bradley

25 March 2019, Holme Valley Parish Council, England, UK, population 34,680

Passed a motion to declare a CLIMATE EMERGENCY and publicise this to the people of the Holme Valley to raise awareness and support the public in taking action.
motion text


Excerpt from the above link:

The motion approved included the following actions:
✓ Declare a CLIMATE EMERGENCY and publicise this to the people of the Holme Valley to raise awareness and support the public in taking action.
✓ Prepare an Action Plan within 6 months on the actions the Holme Valley Parish Council will take to address this emergency.
✓ Pledge to make the Holme Valley Parish carbon-neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions
✓ Call on Kirklees Council and central government to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible.
✓ Commit to continue working with community partners across the Holme Valley to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans.
The Council committed to setting up a working group of councillors and representatives from the community to work on turning this important declaration into clear positive steps for our valley.

26 March 2019, Birchwood Town Council, England, UK, population 12,325

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a carbon neutral target date of 2030.
motion text


Minutes are here.

MOTION: This council declares a climate emergency and will become carbon neutral in its own activities by 2030. We will set up a working group to report back to council by 1st October 2019 with an action plan to achieve this and will work in cooperation with the community and relevant organisations both in Birchwood and the wider community to look at ways to make the Town of Birchwood carbon neutral as soon as possible. – proposed by Cllr D. Ellis

26 March 2019, Llanidloes Town Council, Wales, UK, population 2,929

Declared a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency and set a carbon neutral target date of 2030. (Minutes are available here but don’t contain a declaration text, just a note that the motion was passed.)

27 March 2019, Leeds City Council, England, UK, population 789,194

Declared a Climate Emergency with a large majority and set a 2030 carbon neutral target date.
motion text

 

Full minutes are here.
Excerpt:

Council therefore resolves to:

1. Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’.

2. Sign up to a science based carbon reduction target that is consistent with achieving the Paris Agreement of no more than 1.5’C global temperature increase.

3. Work to make Leeds Carbon neutral by 2030 and call on central government to provide the funding and powers to make this possible.

4. Work with other organisations and governments within the UK and internationally to determine and implement best practice methods to limit Global Warming to less than 1.5°C.

5. Bring a report to April Executive Board setting out how we can work with the Leeds Climate Commission to run a conversation with residents, Trade Unions, public sector organisations, businesses and the third sector on developing a plan with the actions and milestones required to reach this target, and report the outcome to Executive Board by the end of 2019.

27 March 2019, Southwark Council, England, UK, population 317,256

Southwark Council voted to call on Cabinet to declare a Climate Emergency and bring their carbon neutral target date forward to 2030.
motion text

 

Full minutes are here.
Excerpt:

Council assembly resolves to call on cabinet to:
a.Declare a Climate Emergency and do all it can to make the borough carbon neutral by 2030.
b.Develop a strategy, working with local stakeholders, to ensure that the council becomes carbon neutral at a much more rapid pace than currently envisaged. This Carbon Reduction Strategy should aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 if feasible. This strategy should be clear in its targets and resources required. It should also be developed in a way that is sufficiently flexible to make best use of new carbon reduction technologies as theydevelop.
c.Call on other London boroughs to also work towards carbon neutrality by 2030.
d.Lobby government to provide the power and resources to the Mayor of London and local authorities to accelerate the pace of carbon reduction.
e.Lobby the government to take radical steps to divest away from fossil fuels, invest in new technologies to make innovative approaches such as carbonsequestering possible, and reduce the UK’s reliance on greenhouse gases.

27 March 2019, St Helier Parish, Jersey, population 33,500

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a carbon neutral target date of 2025-2030.
motion text


The minutes are here.

The final wording of the proposition read as follows;
to agree, as proposed by Deputy Ward of St Helier, that the Parish of St Helier should declare a climate change emergency, and aim to be carbon-neutral by 2025-2030, and that the Constable be requested to draw up a plan to achieve this for presentation to the Parish Assembly by the end of 2019, and to endorse the proposition of Deputy Ward and to request the Constable to advise the Parish Deputies and Senators of the decision of the Assembly.

27 March 2019, Sunderland City Council, England, UK, population 277,962

Declared a Climate Emergency
motion text

 

Full minutes Item 52 are here.

RESOLVED that:-
In recognition of the threat posed to our environment by climate change Sunderland City Council will declare a climate emergency. Numerous local authorities around the country have declared climate emergency and it is important for the council to show it takes the issue seriously. Recent weather and changes in ecosystems show that we are already seeing changes as a result of climate change so it is important to join other councils in giving the issue suitable attention and clearly setting out how we will meet our targets on cutting emissions. The Council will furthermore lobby the Government to reinstate vital climate change policies such as:-
• Reinstatement of a publicly owned Green Investment Bank;
• Reinstatement of all green energy subsidies such as onshore wind turbine and biomass conversion;
• Reinstatement of the Green Homes scheme;
• Strengthen incentives to buy low or zero emissions vehicles;
• Reinstatement of the Zero Carbon Homes Plan;
• Introduce a Carbon emissions reduction target that is ambitious

27 March 2019, Chippenham Town Council, England, UK, population 45,620

Declared a Climate Emergency
motion text


Minutes P3 are here.

RESOLVED that
1.This council notes information provided in the motion
2.Chippenham Town Council join the growing number of councils declaring a Climate Emergency
3.The recommendations 2-8 of Cllr Murry’s motion be referred for the Chief Executive to write a report on the deliverability for consideration by Strategy and Resources.

28 March 2019, Cardiff City and County Council, Wales, UK, population 364,248

Declared a Climate Emergency: Yes – 42, No – 0, Abstain – 12.
motion text


Full text of the motion is on P21 in the minutes here.
Excerpt:

This Council therefore resolves to:

1. join with other councils across the UK in declaring a global ‘climate emergency’ in response to the findings of the IPCC report.

2. support the implementation of the Welsh Government’s new Low Carbon Delivery Plan, as well as a range of measures to further reduce carbon emissions from the Council’s own operations, to help achieve the Welsh Government’s ambition for the public sector in Wales to be carbon neutral by 2030.

3. make representations to the Welsh and UK Governments, as appropriate, to provide the necessary powers, resources and technical support to local authorities in Wales to help them successfully meet the 2030 target.

4. continue to work with partners across the city and region to develop and implement best practice methods that can deliver carbon reductions and help limit global warming.

28 March 2019, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, England, UK, population 136,718

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a carbon neutral target date of 2030.
motion text


Full text of the motion is on Page 9 in the minutes here.
Excerpt:

This Council resolves to:
1. Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’;
2. Pledge to take action with a view to making the Borough of Redcar and Cleveland carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions;
3. Recognises that to achieve this national government must provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible. This must include protecting our manufacturing industry and associated jobs by facilitating an industrial Carbon Capture Storage and Utilisation (CCSU) network in our Borough including:
•Backing the development of the clean gas low-carbon electricity generation project at the South Tees Development Corporation by providing the necessary support and funding, in particular by agreeing a Contract For Difference (CFD) to provide the clear, stable and predictable revenue that is needed to make this project viable.
•Putting the necessary legislation in place to make the transport and storage infrastructure for carbon sequestration a nationally regulated asset (like the national grid) to ensure the risks of setting up and running a CCSU network are properly managed and owned.
4. Work with other local and regional Governments (both within the UK and internationally) to determine and implement best practice methods to limit Global Warming to less than 1.5C;
5. Continue to work with partners across the Borough, region and neighbouring authorities to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans;and,
Report to the Borough Council within six months with the actions the Council will take to play its part in addressing this emergency.

28 March 2019, Stockport Borough Council, England, UK, population 291,775

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a 2038 carbon neutral target date
motion text


Minutes Item 6 are here.
Excerpt:

Therefore, this Council agrees:
– To declare a ‘climate emergency’, and support the Greater Manchester 5 Year Environment Plan launched at 2019’s Green Summit.
– To ensure the right resources are in place within the Council to support this work,
– To establish a new task and finish group, with a remit to:
(i) Seek advice from experts to develop 5 Year carbon budgets and set a challenging target date of 2038 for carbon neutrality;
(ii) Consider systematically the climate change impact of each area of the Council’s activities;
(iii) Make recommendations and set an ambitious timescale for reducing these impacts in line with wider Greater Manchester ambitions;
(iv)To assess the feasibility of requiring all risk and procurement assessments to include Carbon Emission Appraisals, including presenting alternative approaches which reduce emissions wherever possible.
(v)Report to Full Council with the actions the Council needs to take to address this emergency and how it will work with GMCA and other GM Districts to develop a Mission Based Approach to implementation.
– To task a director level officer with responsibility for reducing as rapidly as possible, the carbon emissions resulting from the Council’s activities.
– To equip all our staff, particularly those involved with buildings, energy and transport management and procurement of goods and service, with an awareness of the CO2 costs and impacts of everyday activities, and the ability and motivation to reduceemissions.
– To recognise that the Council has many competing priorities and that any actions arising from this work take account of how they impact from a financial and policy context.
– That the Leader will write to the Prime Minister to inform her that this Council hasdeclared a climate emergency and ask her to provide the resources and powers necessary to deal with it.

1 April 2019, Kendal Town Council, England, UK, population 28,586

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a 2030 carbon neutral target date.
motion text


Full minutes are here.
Excerpt:

Recommendations
1. That Kendal Town Council declare a ‘Climate Emergency’
2. Pledge to make Kendal carbon neutral by 2030;
3. Call on Westminster to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible;
4. Seek match funding for and commission a Citizen’s Jury to provide insights from residents on how to reach net-zero by 2030; with the outcomes of the Jury forming the basis of a detailed action plan;
5. The town council’s Carbon Neutral sub-group are to report back in six months with an update on the actions being taken to address this emergency.

1 April 2019, Hay Town Council, Wales, UK, population 1,598

Declared a Climate Change Emergency
motion text


Minutes P2 are here.

TS proposed that HTC accepts the petition and declares a Climate Change Emergency. JPr seconded. 6 Councillors in total voted in favour of the proposal. 3 Councillors abstained. Proposal agreed.

2 April 2019, Oxfordshire County Council, England, UK, population 687,524

Unanimously passed a Labour Councillor motion declaring a Climate Emergency and setting a carbon neutral target date of 2030.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
5 November 2019: Action plans, including support for local climate groups
motion text


Full minutes are here.
Excerpt:

Oxfordshire County Council calls on the Leader to:
1.Acknowledge a ‘Climate Emergency and call for action’;
2.Pledge to make Oxfordshire County Council carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions;
3.Call on Westminster to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible;
4.Continue to work with partners across the county and region to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies;
5.Report to Council within six months with the actions the Council will take to address this emergency.

2 April 2019, Ealing (London Borough) Council, England, UK, population 341,982

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a carbon neutral target date of 2030.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
18 November 2019: Set up five working groups: Energy, transport, food, green infrastructure and waste. Local people, schools and businesses are all to be involved in the work to become carbon neutral by 2030. Also committed to using 100% renewable electricity, investigating replacing gas use, replacing some of their fleet with EVs, etc.
motion text


Full minutes are at Item 13 here.
Excerpt:

In light of the above, the Council therefore agrees to:
1. Join other Councils in declaring a Climate Emergency;
2. Call on the UK Government to provide the necessary powers and resources to make local action on climate change easier (as set out in 3 and 5 below);
3. Aim to make Ealing carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions;
4. In light of 3. above, request Overview and Scrutiny Committee to urgently review and make recommendations on revisions to the Council’s 2013-2018 Energy Strategy in light of the recent IPCC report and the latest Ealing data in order to achieve the revised target;
5. Continue to work with partners across London to deliver widespread carbon reductions.

2 April 2019, Cardigan Town Council, Wales, UK, population 4,184

Unanimously declared a Climate Emergency and resolve to also encourage the county council to reduce carbon emissions.
motion text


Minutes P7 are here.

that Cardigan Town Council is declaring the present threat to the planet as a climate emergency over rising carbon emissions, and requests Ceredigion County Council to urgently introduce measures to reduce the carbon footprint within the county. Cllr Shan Williams agreed to write to Mr Gareth Rowlands, Project Development Manager with the county council, regarding proposals for a feasibility study for developing a tidal lagoon in Cardigan and to consider introducing a local produce supermarket scheme

3 April 2019, Newcastle City Council, England, UK, population 300,196

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a carbon neutral target date of 2030.
motion text


The full minutes are here.
Excerpt:

Council agrees to:
– Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’
– Update the 2010 Newcastle Declaration on Climate Change by pledging to make Newcastle upon Tyne carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions;
– Call on the government to provide powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible;
– Work with other government bodies and NGOs to determine and implement bestpractice methods to limit Global Warming to less than 1.5°C;
– Work with partners across the city and region to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans recognising that the council cannot deliver on this ambition alone;
– Ensure that representatives on the Tyne and Wear Pensions Fund continue to lobby for further disinvestment in fossil fuels;
– Report to Council as soon as possible on the actions the Cabinet will take to address this emergency.

3 April 2019, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, England, UK, population 129,490

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a 2030 carbo neutral target date for the borough
motion text

 

Minutes of meeting (Item 11) are here.
Extract:

This council resolves:
To acknowledge that there is a climate emergency and that as an authority we can play a part in trying to address it.
To aim to make Newcastle under Lyme a carbon-neutral borough by 2030.
To establish and support a climate change action group that is chaired by an individual from outside of the borough council and is comprised of representatives of all parties on the council, council officers, representatives of local employers, local education establishments, partner organisations, local community groups, faithgroups, local environmental groups, trade unions and other representatives of local civil society to encourage and coordinate the drive towards a carbon-neutral borough.
To require the cabinet and senior officers to collaborate with this action group, to examine what more can be done by the borough council to deliver a carbon-neutral borough, and for cabinet to work with the action group to produce and publish a plan setting out how the council, through its policies, practices and actions will help to deliver a carbon-neutral borough by 2030.
To require that cabinet, as part of the regular performance review process routinely review progress against this plan and if necessary take action to expedite progress towards the carbon-neutral goal.

3 April 2019, Staverton Parish Council, England, UK, population 717

Declared a Climate Emergency
Minutes can be downloaded here. Summary: “It was RESOLVED unanimously to pass the Climate Emergency motion proposed by DCC Cllr Hodgson. The Parish Council pledged to work towards making this parish carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions. Proposed by Cllr Loverock, seconded by Cllr Oldridge.”

4 April 2019, Great Torrington Town Council, England, UK, population 5,279

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a 2030 zero net carbon target date for the district
motion text


Minutes can be dlowloaded here.

Cllr Mrs Simmons proposed the following motion, which was seconded by Cllr D Smith:

This Council believes:

That we in Great Torrington acknowledge the Climate Change Emergency and aim to support efforts and work with relevant bodies to make Torridge District zero net carbon by 2030.

All governments (national, regional and local) have a duty to limit the negative impacts of Climate Breakdown, and local governments that recognise this should not wait for their national governments to change their policies. It is important for the residents of Great Torrington, Torridge District and the UK that council areas commit to carbon neutrality as quickly as possible. We would be joining an increasing group of councils across the UK (Bideford Town Council and Bristol City Council to name two).

By passing this motion, we will notonly heighten awareness of the severity of this situation but with future financial commitments and decisions generally aim to help further reduce carbon emissions.

A vote was taken on the above motion: All in favour.

5 April 2019, West Sussex County Council, England, UK, population 858,852

This Conservative dominated council unanimously passed a motion noting the Climate Emergency and committing to a 2030 carbon neutral target date.
motion text


The full minutes are here.
Excerpt:

This Council therefore calls on the Cabinet to:
(1)Note the call of the Campaign against Climate Change to declare a ‘Climate Emergency’, show leadership to combat this climate urgency in West Sussex and commit to stepping up the work of the Council to combat climate change and raise awareness of the issues and ways in which residents and businesses can contribute to mitigate climate change;
(2)Pledge to attempt to make West Sussex County Council carbon neutral by 2030;
(3)Call on the Government to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible;
(4)Continue to work with the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs andother councils to determine andimplement best practice methods to limit Global Warming to less than 1.5°C;
(5)Continue to work with partners across the county and region to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies, plans and by encouraging behaviour change, including separation of food waste for collection and processing for energygeneration;
(6)Support the officers working group which is investigating ways of taking into account climate change impacts in all of the Council’s policies and operations; and
(7)Revise the Council’s reporting framework to highlight annually to full Council the actions taken by the Council to mitigate climate change and its wider environmental impact

8 April 2019, Penzance Town Council, England, UK, population 21,200

Unanimously declared a Climate Emergency and resolved to assist making Cornwall carbon neutral by 2030
motion text


Minutes P8 are here.

RESOLVED–that the Town Council agree to:
a)Declare a climate emergency;
b)Work with Cornwall Council to assist them with their declaration to make Cornwall carbon neutral by 2030;
c)Set up a task and finish group (2 to 3 Councillors, one of whom would be Cllr How, plus non-Council members invited) to prepare an action plan for Penzance Town Council within 6 months, to address this emergency.
(Proposed: Cllr Elliott; seconded: Cllr Baker.)

9 April 2019, Rattery Parish Council, England, UK, population 400

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a 2030 carbon neutral target date.
motion text


Full text of motion is here.
Excerpt:

Rattery Parish Council thus:

Declares a ‘Climate Emergency’;
Aims to encourage and support the community of Rattery to become carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions (scope 1, 2, 3 (v));
Calls on Westminster, Devon County Council and South Hams District Council to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible;
Calls on Westminster to appoint Citizens Assemblies to develop the policies to deliver this target;
Agrees it will work with other local authority organisations such as neighbouring town and parish Councils, DALC (Devon Association of Local Councils) and appropriate government departments (both within the UK and internationally) to determine and implement best practice methods to limit global warming to less than 1.5° C above pre-industrial levels;
Agrees it will continue to work with partners across the district, county and region to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans;
Agrees it will place this issue on Parish Council agendas to agree strategies and action plans;
Agrees it will report the actions the Council will take to address this emergency within six months.

9 April 2019, St Ive Parish Council, England, UK, population 2,231

Declared a Climate Emergency. Council notice is here.

9 April 2019, Camden London Borough Council, England, UK, population 262,226

Declared a Climate Emergency
motion text


We don’t have a motion text for Camden because this declaration did not follow the usual path of being proposed and approved at a council meeting. As this article shows, a member of the Cabinet declared a Climate Emergency and announced that a Citizen’s Assembly would be convened to determine what actions council will take. Item 4.1 in this document confirms that for this council the declaration by a Cabinet member is being treated as binding, suggesting that at this particular council a Cabinet member does have the authority to declare a Climate Emergency.

10 April 2019, Maidstone Borough Council, England, UK, population 169,955

Successful Labour motion to declare a climate and biodiversity emergency and to set a carbon neutral target date of 2030.
motion text


Full minutes are here.
Excerpt:

RESOLVED: That this Council notes with concern the recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on global climate change impacts and the recent Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) reports on global species and habitat loss.
Further to this, Council:
(1) Declares its recognition of global climate and biodiversity emergencies;
(2) Requests the Policy & Resources Committee to:
– undertake a short review of MBC governance policies and progress aimed at addressing locally these twin threats and to report on findings. This would include, inter alia, a review of the current provision of electric charging points throughout the Borough and bring forward an ambitious plan to make Maidstone Borough the friendliest place in the country for driving electric or hybrid vehicles.
– consider a target date of 2030 for the whole of the Borough of Maidstone to be carbon neutral;
– consider how the Council can strengthen local protection and enhancement of species, habitats and ecosystems services under available powers;
(3) Requests the Chief Executive to
(a) write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer stating the concern of the Council with respect to the above, the likely national impact on the economy and on the wellbeing of citizens, and requesting government funding be made available to implement swift appropriate actions in response and
(b) include at the beginning of the proposed letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer the following additional sentence:
– This Council welcomes the Chancellor’s recent announcement that a ‘future homes standard’ will mandate the end of fossil-fuel heating systems so as to lower carbon and lower fuel bills too.

10 April 2019, Todmorden Town Council, England, UK, population 15,481

Declared a Climate Emergency
Minutes are here.

10 April 2019, Harrogate Borough Council, England, UK, population 160,831

Declared a Climate Emergency
Motion text is here.

11 April 2019, Isles of Scilly Council, England, UK, population 2,242

Unanimously declared a Climate Emergency in response to demands of School Strikers.
motion text


The full motion is here.
Excerpt:

Proposed recommendations:
1.That Members thank the petitioners for the School Strike for Climate petition, and seek
future endorsement for the four ‘demands’ to Government, as set out in paragraph 5 of this report.
2. That the Council of the Isles of Scilly declare a ‘Climate Emergency’, in line with many local councils in the UK. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has stated that there are just 12 years to keep global temperature rise to 1.5C. The Council will support this call to action.

11 April 2019, Broadhempston Parish Council, England, UK, population 641

Declared a Climate Emergency. Minutes Item 9 are here.

11 April 2019, South Oxfordshire District Council, England, UK, population 140,504

Declared a Climate Emergency on 11 April 2019, and on 16 May at first meeting of the new council appointed a cabinet member for climate emergency.
motion text

 

Full minutes are here.
Excerpt:

Council therefore agrees to:
1. Join other councils in declaring a Climate Emergency.
2. Ask the leader to write to the Secretary of State to seek confirmation of the Government’s intention to work with local government on climate change strategies.
3. Ask that as officers, as per the council’s policies, are currently reviewing policy and strategies, that specific consideration be given to how policies, and our related decisions and actions, affect our contribution to climate change, and where necessary, update these policies to reduce our impact wherever possible. As far as possible, the reporting templates for Council, Cabinet and committees to be amended to include an ‘Environmental Impact’ section.
4.Ask officers to provide the cost and availability of the most appropriate training options for members and officers about how to promote carbon neutral policies for future consideration by Cabinet.
5. Request the Cabinet member for environment to bring to council a report on the activities of the Oxfordshire Environmental Partnership, of which South Oxfordshire is a member.
6. Continue the positive collaborative work with partners across the district, county and wider region to deliver widespread carbon reductions.

15 April 2019, Newham (London Borough) Council, England, UK, population 352,005

Declared a Climate and Health Emergency and set a carbon neutral target date of 2030.
motion text


The minutes are here.
Excerpt:

Full Council calls on the Mayor to:
1.Declare a ‘climate and health emergency’;
2.Pledge to make the London Borough of Newham carbon neutral by 2030 and carbon zero by 2050, taking into account production and emissions
3.Call on and work with other London Boroughs to pool powerand resources together to make 2030 target possible
4.Call on Westminster to provide power and resources to make 2030 target possible
5.Work with other governments (both within the U.K. and internationally) to determine and implement best practice methods to limit Global Warming to less than 1.5°C.
6.To commit to a Green audit of all council services to ensure that weight is given to the environmental and sustainability impact as well as cost.

18 April 2019, Preston City Council, England, UK, population 141,818

Unanimously declared a Climate Emergency and set a carbon neutral target date of 2030.
motion text


The full minutes are P11-13 here.
Excerpt:

Preston City Council is committed to reducing carbon emissions, both as an organisation and as the Local Planning Authority and resolves to go further than the UK100 Agreement and to act in line with the scientific consensus that we must reduce emissions to net zero by 2030, and therefore commits to:
Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’ that requires urgent action.Make the Council’s activities net-zero carbon by 2030.
Commit to municipalisation of energy supply by utilising public sector sites to generate energy where appropriate.
Ensure that all strategic decisions, budgets and approaches to planning decisions are in line with a shift to zero carbon by 2030.
Support and work with all other relevant agencies towards making the Preston district Zero Carbon within the same timescale.
Achieve 100% clean energy across Preston City Council’s full range of functions by 2030.
Convene an assembly of interested groups not directly represented on Council in 2019 to oversee and feed into the development of related action plans and budgets across the City.
And to take the following actions:
(a)Ensure that political groups and Corporate Management Team embed this work in all areas of the Corporate Plan and take responsibility for reducing, as rapidly as possible, the carbon emissions resulting from the Council’s activities, ensuring that any recommendations are fully costed and that a Task and Finish group be established to review Council activities taking account of production and consumption emissions and produce an action plan within 12 months, together with budget actions and a measured baseline;
(b)Request that Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee consider the impact of climate change and the environment when reviewing Council policies and strategies and charge Task & Finish groups to also consider those impacts in any report and every topic;
(c) Work with, influence and inspire partners across the district, county and region to help deliver this goal through relevant strategies, plans and shared resources by developing a series of meetings, events and partner workshops;
….

18 April 2019, Teignbridge District Council, England, UK, population 132,844

The council unanimously agreed to declare a climate emergency, do what they can to make the council carbon neutral by 2025, call on Westminster to provide the powers and resources necessary, investigate all sources of external and match funding to support the commitment, and to report back within six months with an action plan outlining how the council will address the emergency.
motion text


The full minutes are P3 here.
Excerpt:

Teignbridge District Council will,

1. Declare a ‘climate emergency’

2. Pledge to do what is within our powers, to make Teignbridge District carbon neutral by 2025, taking into account both production and consumption emissions.

3. Call on Westminster to provide the powers and resources necessary for Teignbridge District to achieve the target of becoming carbon neutral by 2025, and to implement best practice methods to limit global warming to 1.5C.

4. Report to Full Council within six months with an Action Plan, outlining how the Council will address this emergency. The Action Plan will detail the leadership role Teignbridge District will take in promoting community, public, business and other Council partnerships to achieve this Carbon Neutral 2030 Commitment throughout the District. The Action Plan will also outline adequate staff time and resources to undertake the actions to achieve the target.

5. To investigate all possible sources of external funding and match funding to support this commitment

24 April 2019, North Norfolk District Council, England, UK, population 104,552

Declared a Climate Emergency.
motion text


Full motion text is here.
Excerpt:

Therefore, this Council resolves to;
1.Declare a Climate Emergency;
2.Engage and work in partnership with our partners in the public, private and community sectors,including central government to facilitate boldaction to ensure North Norfolk is able to play its role in helping the UK to deliver against the commitments made nationally and internationally at the 2015 Paris Summit;
3.Prepare an Environmental Sustainability & Climate Change Strategy in line with this pledge, and, with our partners across the community, to develop an action plan and ‘routemap’ to a sustainable, low carbon future for our community;
4.Launch engagement with the public to:
– Improve “carbon literacy” of all citizens;
– Encourage and support leadership on this issue in all sectors of society;
– Obtain meaningful public input into the North Norfolk Environmental Sustainability & Climate Change Strategy and action planning;
– Facilitate wide community engagement and behavioural change

24 April 2019, Brockhampton Group Parish Council, England, UK, population 106

Declared a Climate Emergency
Minutes are here.

25 April 2019, Medway Council, England, UK, population 277,855

Declared a Climate Emergency in response to local school strikers.
motion text


Full minutes are Item 14D here.
Extract:

This Council therefore:
· Declares a climate emergency;
· Notes that current targets are inadequate to respond to the challenge of keeping global temperature rises below 1.5c.

This Council requests that:
· Cabinet establish a Medway Climate Change Working Group to respond to this challenge, which meets in public and includes representation from all party groups, in order to create a clear action plan for Medway;
· Cabinet set more ambitious targets for Medway to become carbon neutral;
· The Chief Executive to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer stating the concern of the Council with respect to the above, the likely national impact on the economy and on the wellbeing of citizens, and requesting government funding be made available to implement swift appropriate actions in response.

25 April 2019, Waltham Forest Council, England, UK, population 276,700

This London Borough council declared a Climate Emergency after pressure from Extincion Rebellion campainers.
motion text


Minutes of the meeting are here.
Extract:

This Council declares:

The findings of the October 2018 IPCC report show that we now face a ‘climate emergency’, and that urgent action is required to restrict global warming to a maximum of 1.5°C.

To join with other Councils in declaring a Climate Emergency.

Call on the UK Government to provide the necessary powers and resources to make local action on climate change easier

A new Climate Change Strategy will be launched in July that will set out immediate actions to ensure that we maintain our current pace in reducing carbon emissions and more.

But we acknowledge that more needs to be done. Tackling climate change can only be a common endeavour; it is not something that we as a council can do alone, we also need residents, businesses and other organisations to share this agenda.

We will launch a Climate Change Commission to help shape our local response to this global challenge and to produce a set of policy ‘asks’ for our regional and national politicians. If we are serious about reducing our shared impact on the planet we will all need to work together and act in a way that has not been seen so far.

28 April 2019, Scotland, UK, population 5,424,800

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon declared a Climate Emergency. CED statement on Scottish Parliament website is here.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
15 February 2020: £220 million to help achieve net-zero announced

29 April 2019, Welsh Parliament, UK, population 3,139,000

Assembly members voted to declare a “climate emergency”on 1 May 2019, with 38 Assembly Members in favour, versus two against, and with 12 abstentions.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
5 June 2019: Steps being taken by Natural Resources Wales in response to the Welsh Parliament CED
1 August 2019: An article listing things Wales has done since declaring a Climate Emergency, and future plans is here.
14 October 2019: Statement on Welsh Government website about prior actions and post-CED initiatives is here.
16 December 2019: new budget has extra funds for low carbon transport and housing, £4.5m for a National Forest, planned to extend the full length of the country, and £25m of capital funding to develop near-zero carbon homes, and £30m for electric buses and refuse vehicles.
motion text

 

Over the coming months NRW will review its targets and ambitions for both decarbonisation as well as adaptation to the impacts of climate change across NRW’s remit.

Specifically, NRW’s Board has committed to the following steps.

– Improving the management of forests and peatlands so that they store more carbon;
– Being more energy efficient and generating renewable energy where possible at offices;
– Rapidly increase use of electric vehicles;
– Exploring more opportunities to generate renewable energy on NRW managed land;
– Giving more consideration to the use of carbon in everything purchased;
– Sharing NRW’s experience of managing carbon emissions with other public-sector bodies to help bring about a greener public sector.
– Factoring in the inevitable global warming in all that we do and helping Wales adapt to the changes ahead.

2 May 2019, Jersey Parliament, population, 106,800

Declared a Climate Emergency almost unanimously (40:1), and set a 2030 carbon neutral target date
PROGRESS SO FAR
24 November 2019: 80 volunteers helped plant over 7,000 trees and hedgrow
31 December 2019: Sustainable Transport Policy
2 January 2020: released proposed Climate Emergency Action Plan
motion text


Minutes of States Assembly are here.

THE STATES resumed consideration of the proposition of Deputy Robert James Ward of St.Helier, as amended, and, adopting the proposition, agreed that there existed a climate emergency likely to have profound effects in Jersey, and that in order to deal with this situation–
(a)Jersey should aim to be carbon-neutral by 2030, and the Council of Ministers was accordingly requested to draw up a plan to achieve this, for presentation to the States by the end of 2019;
(b)the Minister for the Environment was requested to carry out, as part of the process for drawing up the forthcoming Government Plan for 2020, an examination and assessment of more ambitious policies to accelerate carbon reduction, to include an assessment of the use of fiscal levels to changebehaviour and raise awareness; and
(c)the Chief Minister was requested to ensure that consideration of action to tackle climate change in Jersey was included as a standing item on the agenda of the Council of Ministers.

2 May 2019, North of Tyne Combined Authority, England, UK, population 826,455

Mayor Jamie Driscoll declared a Climate Emergency on his first day in office.

3 May 2019, Gibraltar Parliament, population 32,194

Parliament unanimously declared a Climate Emergency and set a 2030 carbon neutral target date
motion text


Motion text is here.
Excerpt:
And therefore resolves to:
1.Declare a Climate Emergency;
2.Pledge to make Gibraltar carbon neutral by 2030;
3.Pledge to reduce emissions by 50% by 2035;
4.Work with other governments in the UK family, including the devolved administrations, the UK Overseas Territories and the Crown Dependencies to determine and implementbest practice methods to limit Global Warming to less than 1.5°C;
5.Work with partners across Gibraltar and in the region to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans;
6.Report to Parliament by the end of 2019 with a climate emergency action plan which will include carbon reduction plan.

9 May 2019, Highland Council, Scotland, UK, population 235,540

The original motion did not include a declaration, but as reported in this article, council voted in favour of an amendment which included declaring a Climate and Ecological Emergency and setting a 2025 carbon neutral target date for the region.
motion text


Full minutes are here.
Excerpt:

The Council AGREED the following amended Notice of Motion:-
(ii) Highland Council recognises the serious and accelerating changes to the world caused by climate change and therefore declares a climate and ecological emergency.

The Council will establish a Climate Change Panel with responsibility for the following and reporting directly to full Council on progress:-

(i) inform ourselves on what the Council is currently doing to reduce our carbon footprint;
(ii) revisit the Carbon Clever declaration made by the Council in 2012 with a view to updating and working towards a carbon neutral Highlands by 2025;
(iii) consider and recommend any new targets and priorities for the Council’s Corporate Plan by June 2019;
(iv) we realise we can achieve far less by working alone so we commit to listening to and involving Highland citizens in all that we do and to involve them in the preparation of our new carbon reduction plan; and
(v) promptly, we will target areas for behavioural change, such as plastic reduction. These areas to be selected by public consultation.

9 May 2019, Conwy County Borough Council, Wales, UK, population 117,181

Declared a Climate Emergency
motion text


Minutes are here.
Excerpt:

RESOLVED-
(a)That the following Notice of Motion be supported:
-“The Council notes that the effects of climate change andextreme weather events have already had an impact on residents within the county, and those living in increasingly high risk flood areas.The Council also notes that sea level is expected to rise by 1.1 metre over the next century, and that every year floods cost around £200 million to the Welsh economy.
The Council declares a climate emergency and commits to ensuring that the county continues to be a lively, viable and sustainable home for our children and future generations.
The Council calls on the Welsh Government to commit to taking the positive steps needed to reduce carbon emissions and strive to create a carbon-neutral future
“The Council calls on Welsh Government to provide the necessary support and resources to enable effectivecarbon reductions across Wales.
The Council will task the Green Programme Board to develop, during the next 12 months, a clear plan for a route towards the Authority being a net zero carbon user. The plan will be designed with a goal to be fully implementedduring the following 10 years.”
(b)That the Green Programme Board presents a report on its achievements, including future projects and schemes andthe possible re-introduction of the Environment Champion,to the Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

9 May 2019, Pembrokeshire County Council, Wales, UK, population 125,055

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a carbon neutral target date of 2030.
motion text


Full minutes are here.
Excerpt:

RESOLVED
(a)That a Climate Emergency be declared.
(b)That Welsh and UK Governmentsbe called upon to provide the necessary support and resources to enable effective carbon reductions.

The following points were referred to the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee for consideration:
That Pembrokeshire County Council resolves to:
1.Commit to making Pembrokeshire County Council a net zero carbon local authority by 2030;
2.Develop a clear plan for a route towards being net zero carbon within 12 months which is then reported back to council;
3.Work with the Public Services Board and Swansea Bay City Deal partners to develop exciting opportunities to deliver carbon saving;
4.Collaborate with experts from the private sector and 3rd sectors to develop innovative solutions to becoming net zero carbon.

13 May 2019, Pennard Community Council, Wales, UK, population 2,688

Unanimously declared a Climate Emergency. Council’s press release is here.
motion text


Minutes are here.
Motion text:

Pennard Community Council will:
Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’
Launch an inclusive consultation to develop an action plan over the next 6 months to:
• make Pennard net-zero carbon as soon as possible;
• increase local resilience to climate impacts;
• maximise local benefits of these actions in other sectors such as health, agriculture, transport and the economy;
Raise awareness throughout Pennard by forming a working party from within the community.
Call on Swansea County Council to join us in declaring a Climate Emergency working toward a carbon neutral future.
Call on Wales and UK Government to provide the support and resources to make this possible.
Work with other local areas, particularly the community councils and other partners in the Gower Biosphere;
Report within six months with the actions the Community can take to address this emergency, for example increasing the energy efficiency of the Community Hall.
Discuss with Renew Wales how they might support this process.

13 May 2019, Bishopsteignton Parish Council, England, UK, population 2,570

Unanimously declared a Climate Emergency. Minutes of Item 2272 are here.

14 May 2019, Orkney Islands Council, Scotland, UK, population 22,100

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a 2030 carbon neutral target date. Council’s press release is here.

14 May 2019, Keynsham Town Council, England, UK, population 16,641

Declared a Climate Emergency
Minutes are here.

14 May 2019, Cambridgeshire County Council, England, UK, population 651,482

Declared a Climate Emergency
motion text


Minutes P14 are here.
Excerpt:

The Council resolves to:
1.Accept, in line with the recent declaration by Parliament, that the world is facing a climate and environment emergency.21.Note the considerable successes and amount of work which has already been completed within Cambridgeshire to address environmental challenges and impacts.
2.Explore what steps can be taken to bring this work together into an Environment and Climate Change Strategy that targets progress towards reducing carbon emissions, reducing pollution and protecting bio-diversity.
3.Note the challenging pressures that the Council faces, and investigate the financial and resource implications of implementing such a strategy, determining with our partners where we should facilitate, partner or lead on issues.
4.Liaise with officers in our partner organisations to co-develop the strategy where appropriate.
5.Proactively engage the community, purposefully including the engagement of young people in the development of the Environment and Climate Change Strategy, ensuring their voice is heard in shaping and influencing the future.
6.Continue to work with local partners and businesses and seek out new partners and funding opportunities to identify opportunities for innovation and improvements to current practices.
7.Request officers to report to Full Council within six months with a climate change and environmental strategy and a clear action plan that the Council will follow to achieve progress in reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment.
Following discussion, the substantivemotion was carried unanimously by a show of hands.

15 May 2019, Leicestershire County Council, England, UK, population 698,268

Declared a Climate Emergency, and set a 2030 carbon neutral target date for its own operations.
motion text


Full minutes are here.
Excerpt:

That this Council declares a climate emergency and will aim to achieve carbon neutrality from its own operations by 2030 and accordingly requests officers to undertake a review of the aspects of the Environment Strategy 2018-30 necessary to achieve this aspiration together with an assessment of the cost and technology implications of so doing to enable the Cabinet and Council to take an informed decision on revising the ambitions of the Environment Strategy recognising that this will require the reallocation ofresources by the Council.

15 May 2019, Gloucestershire County Council, England, UK, population 633,558

Welcomed and endorsed a Climate Emergency Declaration for the UK, which a council news item treats as council having declared a climate emergency, and set a 2030 carbon neutral target date
motion text

 

Minutes of amended text are on P16 here.
Amended motion:

This Council resolves to:
– This Council welcomes and endorses on behalf of Gloucestershire the declaration of a climate change emergency by parliament on behalf of theUK and urges other countries to do the same.
– Commit towards an 80 per cent reduction in the Council`s corporate carbon emissions no later than 2030, striving towards 100 percent with carbon offsetting by the same date.
– Commits the Council to following the scientific advice of the Committee on Climate Change, as advocated in parliament by Alex Chalk MP, and subsequently by Jeremy Corbyn MP, and deliver a carbon neutral county by 2050,and work with partners to identify what measures would be needed todeliver a stepped target of 80% carbon reduction by 2030 to reflect the IPCC report on climate change.
– Call on Central Government to provide additional powers and resources to support local and national action towards this 2030 target.
– Lobby national government to commit to 100 per cent carbon neutrality by 2050.
– Consider its contracts going forward to oblige all contractors to report their carbon emissions and to place a ‘carbon/environmental cost’ on competing bids.
– Do all in its power to adopt, implement and strengthen the Gloucestershire Sustainable Energy Strategy. Ensure that our major plans, such as the local transport plan, have clearly identified strategies to reduce carbon emissions.
– Work with district and borough councils to reduce the districts’ carbon footprint within their corporate strategies.
Provide an annual report to the Environment Committee, with a performance update on a quarterly basis to the relevant committees including details of the resources required to meet the Council’s 2030 carbon neutral target.

16 May 2019, Shropshire Council, England, UK, population 320,274

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a carbon neutral target date of 2030.
motion text


Full minutes are here.
Excerpt:

Therefore, this Council resolves to:
1.To declare a ‘Climate Emergency’.
2.To support the work currently being undertaken by Shropshire Council in this field and reaffirm our support to tackling climate change.
3.To ask the Leader to write to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to encourage Government to be ambitious in its plans for carbon reduction targets, aiming for national carbon neutrality.
4.Attach carbon emission appraisals to all policy reports.
5.Create a Climate Action Partnership of stakeholders and the wider community, to partner with the Council to provide advice, support and encouragement to public, business and charitable organisations to adopt similar policies and practices across the county. This is to be taken and considered by the appropriate Task and Finish Group.
6.To review its progress on addressing the climate emergency annually, with a view of setting an ambition target for Shropshire Council to be being carbon neutral.

16 May 2019, Glasgow City Council, Scotland, UK, population 626,410

Declared a Climate and Ecological Emergency just days after the council announced their bid to become the first net-zero emissions city in the UK.
PROGRESS SO FAR
23 August 2019: Developed their action plan
motion text


Full minutes P15 are here.

Council resolves to declare a climate and ecological emergency and looks forward to receiving the report and recommendations of the Climate Emergency Working Group after the summer recess, recognises that these are likely to be radical and challenging for both the Council and the wider city, and commits to using these recommendations as the basis for delivering the decarbonisation of the city in response to this climate emergency here and is already having on vulnerable communities globally.

Council resolves to identify additional revenue which demonstrates the Administration’s commitment to put in place a Climate Emergency Fund in the current financial year to ensure that action on the forthcoming Climate Emergency Working Group recommendations can begin immediately.

Council resolves that subsequent to the recommendations of the Climate Emergency Working Group being submitted, a short-life process will be put in place to establish whether further recommendations are required to address the ecological emergency specifically.

Council notes that, in the face of the Climate Emergency, the International Monetary Fund and the Governor of the Bank of England have updated their advice on the financial risks involved, and the OECD have issued a report on the finance and business implications of the Biodiversity Crisis and instructs the Executive Director of Finance to bring a report to Finance and Audit Scrutiny Committee detailing the Council’s response to this new context including in relation to divestment from fossil fuels.

16 May 2019, Dorset Council, England, UK, population 376,484

Declared a Climate Emergency at the first meeting of the newly formed council, with 69 in favour, 2 against, and 6 abstaining.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
September 2019: Climate Emergency webpage
November 2019: Set up a Climate Change and Ecological Emergency Executive Advisory Panel
17 December 2019: Calling for public to submit ideas for their climate action plan

27 November 2019: Amended its CED motion to make it a ‘Climate and Ecological Emergency’ declaration
motion text


Minutes are here.

Decision
That Council recognises that climate change is happening and agrees to declare a climate emergency.

16 May 2019, Monmouthshire County Council, Wales, UK, population 94,142

Declared a Climate Emergency and will strive for carbon neutrality by 2030.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
November 2019: adopted a new Climate Emergency Strategy
motion text


Minutes are here.

That this council will strive to reduce its own carbon emissions to net zero in line with the Welsh Government target of 2030.
That this council will develop a strategy and associated action plans to aim to deliver these targets as soon as practicable.
That this council will continue to review the Corporate Plan, Well-being plan, Local development plans and other relevant plans and policies to support the above.
Publicise this declaration of a climate emergency to residents and businesses in the county and encourage and support them to take their own actions to reduce their carbon emissions in line with a 2030 target.
Work with partners across the county and other councils and organisations to help develop and implement best practice methods in limiting global warming.

16 May 2019, Bridport Town Council, England, UK, population 13,568

The first meeting of the town council since the May local elections included councillors unanimously approving a motion declaring a climate emergency.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
November 2019: Published their Climate Emergency Action Plan, with strong emphasis on education and enagement of staff and the entire community
motion text


Minutes P4-5 are here.

RESOLVED: that Bridport Town Council agrees to:
1.Declare a ‘climate emergency’;
2.Pledge to make Bridport Town Council carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions;
3.Call upon National Government and Dorset Council to provide the powersand resources to make the 2030 target possible;
4.Work with other local councils to determine and implement best practice methods to limit Global Warming to less than 1.5⁰C;
5.Continue to work with partners across the Bridport area, via its One Planet Living Working Group, to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans;
6.Arrange for its One Planet Living Working Group to:
i.Review the Town Council’s progress and good work already accomplished since it signed the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change in 2008;
ii.Review the progress of the Town Council’s own Climate Change Strategy as part of its review of the Town Plan; and
iii.Explore how all of the above can be integrated within the Bridport Area Neighbourhood Plan.
7.Prepare a report within 6 months with the actions Bridport Town Council will take to address this emergency.
The Town Clerk advised that the motion would next be referred to the Environment & Social Wellbeing Committee for the development of the actions identified.

20 May 2019, South Brent Parish Council, England, UK, population 2,822

Declared an Environmental and Climate Emergency. Minutes of the meeting are here.

21 May 2019, South Somerset District Council, England, UK, population 167,861

Unanimously declared a Climate and Ecological Emergency
motion text


Minutes P13 are here.

RESOLVED:That Council agreed to:-
1.Note the background information provided.
2.Declare its recognition of a ‘Climate and Ecological Emergency’
3.Develop a Strategy by the Full Council meeting in the Autumn of 2019, that sets ambitious targets to protect the environment and ecology; to reduce Carbon Emissions; and for a) South Somerset District and b) the Council to become carbon neutral
4.Develop a delivery plan that sets out the necessary policies, projects and actions to deliver the targets, and identifies the resources necessary to enable the delivery of the strategy
5.Work with councils and other partners in Somerset to developcollaboration, joint approaches and share resources in tackling climate change and protecting the environment
(Voting: unanimous in favour)

21 May 2019, West Devon Borough Council, England, UK, population 55,528

Recognised that we have a Climate Change and Biodiversity Emergency
motion text


Minutes P5 are here.

Upon being submitted to the Meeting, it was declared to be CARRIED and RESOLVED that:
West Devon Borough Council recognises that we have a ‘Climate Change and Biodiversity Emergency’ and that urgent steps need to be taken to address all matters within the Borough which may affect climate change and habitat loss.
That this Council recognises that the crisis is both global and local and that Local Government has a role to play in promoting environmentally friendly policies. To this end, it is recommended that a Working Group be established with cross-group membership to be decided by the Leader of this Council, in discussion with other political groupings. To report back within three months with initial recommendations.

21 May 2019, Cheshire West and Chester Council, England, UK, population 340,502

Declared a Climate Emergency at first meeting of the new council.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
Post-CED actions on council website
26 January 2020: Almost £16m of council cash has been earmarked for carbon-busting measures.
motion text


Full minutes (Item 17) are here.
Excerpt:

In light of the above, the Council therefore agrees to:
1. Join the growing number of councils in declaring a ‘Climate Emergency.
2. Direct the Chief Executive to produce a report to Council within six months to determine the earliest date before 2045 that CW&C and the borough as a whole can be carbon neutral, and revise its targets to meet that date (ideally 2030 to demonstrate leadership in the borough). These targets to be managed through the CW&C Annual Monitoring Report, business Carbon Management Plans, the Green House Gas Emissions Directive of 2019 and whatever other appropriate means become available.
3. Send a copy of this motion to CWAC MPs and the Secretary of State for the Environment.

To enable this council to meet its targets, and the rest of the UK to halve its carbon emissions by 2030, and to reach net zero before 2045, we call on national government, industry and regulators to implement the necessary changes with funding, transformed national infrastructure, policy, new technologies and legislation, including:
1. Ending CO2 emissions from electricity generation across the country.
2. Investing in energy-efficient public transport across the country.
3. Ending the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans from 2030 and make cleaner vehicles more accessible.
4. Establish a long-term nationwide Warm Homes strategy with adequate investment for energy-efficiency measures.
5. Develop a strategy for all UK businesses to be net zero carbon by 2045.
This will mitigate the damage caused by climate change and will also create a strong green economy with new jobs, less waste and with sustainable growth.

21 May 2019, North Hertfordshire District Council, England, UK, population 133,214

Declared a Climate Emergency at the first meeting of the new council after council elections
motion text


Minutes Item 14 are here.
Excerpt:

Council therefore agrees to:
(1) Join other councils in declaring a Climate Emergency;
(2) Ask the Leader to write to the Secretary of State requesting that they provide the necessary powers and resources to make local action on climate change easier;
(3) Request that, in light of the IPCC report, officers review the council’s Climate Change Policy with the aim of bringing a report to Council in autumn of 2019, after consideration by Overview and Scrutiny. The review should include an action plan to achieve a target of zero carbon emissions by 2030 and proposals for regular reporting to Overview and Scrutiny Committee of the progress with the plan;
(4)Ask officers to ensure that, as the Council’s policies are routinely reviewed, specific consideration is given to how policies and our related decisions and actions, affect our contribution to climate change, and where necessary, update these policies to reduceour impact wherever possible;
(5)Ask officers to investigate the most appropriate training for Members and officers about how to promote carbon neutral policies for consideration by Council;
(6)Continue to work with partners across the district, county and wide region to deliver widespread carbon reductions.

21 May 2019, Three Rivers District Council, England, UK, population 93,045

Unanimously declared a Climate Emergency, set a 2030 carbon neutral target date, and planned to engage with local residents and businesses to gain their support
PROGRESS SO FAR:
30 October 2019: Allocated £50,000 as a “first step” to carry out research and look at quick wins for the council and community.
motion text


Minutes (action sheet) can be downloaded from here.
Extract:

Council therefore agrees to:
1. Declare a Climate Emergency.
2. Produce a strategy and action plan to make Three Rivers carbon neutral by
2030.
3. Use all practical means to reduce the impact of Council services on the
environment.
4. Use all planning regulations and the Local Plan to cut carbon emissions and
reduce the impact on the environment.
5. Work with partners in the public and private sector and implement best
practice.
6. Engage with local residents and businesses to gain their support.
7. Request Central Government to provide the support and resources needed
to progress the action plan.

22 May 2019, Cheshire East Council, England, UK, population 380,790

Declared a Climate Emergency
Article: https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/council_information/media_hub/media_releases/cheshire-east-agrees-carbon-neutral-action-plan.aspx
Minutes: https://moderngov.cheshireeast.gov.uk/ecminutes/documents/g7075/Printed%20minutes%2022nd-May-2019%2011.00%20Council.pdf?T=1

22 May 2019, Lancing Parish Council, England, UK, population 18,810

First parish council in West Sussex to declare a Climate Emergency
motion text


Minutes Item 19 are here.

Resolved –That the Parish Council:-
1.Declares a ‘Climate Emergency’;
2.Commits to making Lancing Parish Council’s activity carbon neutral by 2030, both directly in its day-to-day activity and indirectly through its procurement and outsourcing;
3.Commit to work in partnership with other organisations to determine and implement best practice methods that limit Global Warming and/or mitigate the impact of climate change;
4.Incorporate and prioritise climate change impact mitigation into all decision and Clerk reports, plans and reviews put to Council, including contracts and procurement;
5.Sets up a Task and Finish Group to develop an action plan to deliver on these commitments, consisting of Cllrs Bradley, Cowen, Eveleigh, Patmore and Pope.

22 May 2019, Derby City Council, England, UK, population 248,700

Declared a Climate Emergency and established a working group
motion text


Text of the motion is here.
Excerpt:

This Council therefore:
-Declares a Climate Emergency;
-Notes that our current targets are inadequate to respond to the challenge of keeping global temperature rises below 1.5c.This Council requests that:
(a) a Derby Climate Change working group is established to respond to this challenge, that meets in public with wide representation including from all party groups;
(b) considering recommendations from the proposed working group, the Cabinet sets a new target for Derby to be carbon neutral and develops an action plan, by the end of 2019, to achieve this;
(c) resolves to work with other local authorities and public, private and voluntary sector partners on carbon reduction projects to ensure the UK is able to deliver on its climate commitments; and
(d) the Government provides the necessary resources and powers so that Derby can make its contribution to the UK’s Carbon Reduction targets.

22 May 2019, Wyre Forest District Council, England, UK, population 101,062

Declared a Climate Emergency via two motions
motion text


Minutes Item 2 are here.

Decision: Acknowledging that Global Warming is an international crisis, Wyre Forest Council declares a Climate Emergency. Council further recognises that trees play a major part in reduction of our carbon footprint and area vital part of our ecosystem. Council therefore resolves to work in partnership with all local schools and with Worcestershire County Council to ensure that, within the life of this 4 year Council term, every child in a Wyre Forest school is able to be involved in planting a tree. Council invites the Cabinet to consider any financial implications arising from this resolution and, if necessary, to bring forward proposals for funding as part of the next medium term financial strategy.

23 May 2019, Wakefield Council, England, UK, population 345,038

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a carbon neutral target date of 2030 for council operations.
motion text


Minutes Item 21 are here.

Council therefore resolves to:
1. Declare a Climate Emergency.
2. Pledge to make Wakefield Council a Carbon Neutral organisation before 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions.
3. Request that the Council’s Cabinet develops and reports back to Council within six months the specific emergency plans and actions needed to reach this target.
4. Support and work with all other relevant agencies towards making the entire area zero carbon within the same timescale.
5. Call on central government to provide the funding and powers to make this possible.
6. Work with other governments (both within the UK and internationally) to determine and implement best practice methods to limit global warming to less than 1.5°C.
7. Continue to work with partners across the Wakefield District and region to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans.

23 May 2019, Gateshead Council, England, UK, population 202,508

Declared a Climate Emergency and wants to use 100% clean energy across all of its functions and ensure that all strategic decisions, budgets and approaches to planning decisions are in line with a shift to zero carbon.
motion text


Minutes are here.
Excerpt:

Council therefore commits to:
– The declaration of a ‘Climate Emergency’ that requires urgent action.
– Make the Council’s activities carbon neutral by 2030.
– Achieve 100% clean energy across the Council’s full range of functions by 2030.
– Ensure that all strategic decisions, budgets and approaches to planning decisions are in line with a shift to zero carbon by 2030.
– Support and work with all other relevant agencies towards making the entire area carbon neutral within the same timescale.
– Ensure that political and chief officers embed this work in all areas and take responsibility for reducing, as rapidly as possible, the carbon emissions resulting from the Council’s activities, ensuring that any recommendations are fully costed.
– Work with, influence and inspire partners across the borough to help deliver this goal through all relevant strategies, plans and shared resources by developing a series of meetings, events and partner workshops.
– Request that the Council and partners take steps to proactively include young people in the process, ensuring that they have a voice in shaping the future.
– Call on the UK Government to provide the powers, resources and help with funding to make this possible, and ask local MPs to do likewise.

23 May 2019, Kent County Council, England, UK, population 1,568,623

Declared an Environment and Climate Emergency and set a target of carbon neutrality from its activities and those of its trading companies by 2030
motion text


Minutes P10 are here.
Excerpt:

RESOLVED that:
a)in terms of achievements to date, data shows that CO2 emissions have already been reduced by 36% when compared to the 2005 baseline target set in the existing Kent Environment Strategy of 34% by 2020. A significant reduction in carbon emissions from the roll-out of LED streetlights across the county was an excellent step forward by KCC and there is also important work within the Kent Environment Strategy and other initiatives such as the Active Travel Strategy and emerging Energy and Low Emissions Strategy;
b)KCC recognises the UK Environment and Climate Emergency and will continue to commit resources and align its policies to address this;
c)through the framework of the Energy and Low Emissions Strategy, KCC will facilitate the setting and agreement of a target of Net Zero emissions by 2050 for Kent and Medway;
d)KCC will by May 2020 set an accelerated target with associated action plan for its own estate and activities including those of its traded companies using appropriate methodologies;
e)KCC will in addition deliver a Kent and Medway Climate Change Risk and Impact Report, and develop and facilitate adoption of a subsequent Kent and Medway Climate Change Adaptation Implementation Plan by the end of March 2020;
f)a report will be submitted annually to full Council on progress towards the target, as part of a KES report; and
g)KCC will continue to work with partners and contract providers and will investigate all possible sources of external funding and match funding to support this commitment as well as continuing to work with central government to implement swift appropriate actions in response.

24 May 2019, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, England, UK, population 1,533,350

Declared a Climate Emergency despite having refused to do so in January. Council press release is here.

28 May 2019, Bingley Town Council, England, UK, population 18,294

Declared a Climate Emergency
Minutes are here.

28 May 2019, Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn Town Council, Wales, UK, population: 10,783

Declared a Climate Emergency at their annual meeting
motion text


Minutes Item 20 are here.
Extract:

RESOLVED
‘Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council unanimously approve the motion to:
1. Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’;
2. Take costed and debated action to improve the Town Councils own practices to reduce our own contribution to Climate Change.
3. Take costed and debated action to;
– help move towards Newtown being a net-zero carbon producer as soon as possible;
– increase local resilience to climate impacts;
– maximise local benefits of these actions in other sectors such as health, agriculture, transport and the economy;
4. Call on Wales and UK Government to provide the support and resources to make this possible;
5. Work with other organisations both local and national, such as Renew Wales, other Community Councils and Local businessesto help counter climate change.’

29 May 2019, West Dunbartonshire Council, Scotland, UK, population 89,130

Agreed that there is a Climate Emergency and agreed to focus on divestment of council pension funds from fossil fuels
motion text


Notice of Motion is here.

(b) Motion by Councillor Jim Bollan – Climate Emergency
Council agrees with the view held by the movement Extinction Rebellion that we have a “Climate Emergency” which needs urgent political action on a global scale to save the planet. Council agrees to write to the UK and Scottish Government’s in these terms urging them to take immediate action to tackle this grave issue and do all within their power to reverse the situation. As a first step in a local context Council also agrees to request the trustees of the SPF (Strathclyde Pension Fund) divest from any investments in fossil fuels which are warming the planet already to 1°c. Council pension funds in Scotland invest £1.8b per year in companies like BP & Shell who are planning on using fossil fuels which will warm the planet up to 3.5°c. Scientists are clear that burning fossil Fuels, Coal, Oil & Gas is the main driver for the problem. Fossil Fuel divestment is a practical, legal and responsible way for pension funds to respond to climate change and avoid financial risk. Over 30 Scottish MP’s have supported divestment of their own pension fund and I would ask that WDC put the same request to the trustees of the SPF.

30 May 2019, Derbyshire Dales District Council, England, UK, population 71,977

Unanimously declared a Climate Emergency and set a 2030 carbon neutral target date
motion text


Full minutes of the meeting are here.
Excerpt:

This Council pledges to:
•Declare a Climate Emergency
•Make Derbyshire Dales District Council carbon neutral by 2030
•Call on the UK Government to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible
•Work with partners across the county and region to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies
•Report back to Council within six months with the actions the Council will take to address this emergency.

2 June 2019, Bollington Town Council, England, UK, population 7,885

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a 2030 carbon neutral target date
motion text


Minutes are here.

1. Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’;
2. Pledge to make Bollington carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions;
3. Call on Cheshire East, Macclesfield Parliamentary Constituency and Westminster to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible;
4. Work with other councils and governments (both within the UK and internationally) by joining the pan European Covenant of Mayors, to determine and implement best practice methods to limit Global Warming to less than 1.5°C;
5. Continue to work with partners across the town and region to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans;
6. In all discussion, debate and decision-making procedures ensure that climate impact is thoroughly considered and recorded. In other words, look at all policies and actions through the lens of Global Warming.
7. Report to Full Council within six months with the actions the Council will take to address this emergency.

3 June 2019, Northampton Borough Council, England, UK, population 225,146

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a 2030 carbon neutral target date
motion text


Agenda Item 10. ii is here. Minutes are here.
Motion by Councillor Beardsworth:

This council recognises the strength of public opinion recently expressed in London and Northampton to address the issue of climate change and the need to address carbon reduction to protect the health and wellbeing of future generations. The council also notes that the UK parliament has declared a Climate Emergency.

The Council therefore declares “a Climate Emergency” in Northampton and commits to a target of making Northampton carbon neutral by 2030.

The Council Requests a report to be submitted to the council in 12 months’ time and updated in January 2021 setting out the action that has been taken in respect to this motion and detailing how progressing this objective has been communicated to and integrated within the start up plans of the West Northamptonshire Unitary Council.

3 June 2019, Ottery St. Mary Town Council, England, UK, population 4,898

Declared a Climate Emergency and resolved to set up a working group
motion text


Minutes (page 3) are here.
Minutes:

It was RESOLVED that the Council declare a climate change emergency. It was further RESOLVED to setup a working group with membership to be determined later but was likely to be composed of councillors, residents, experts, scientists, businesses and young citizens to develop a range of strategies.

3 June 2019, Macclesfield Town Council, England, UK, population 51,482

Declared a Climate Emergency
motion text


Minutes of meeting (P5) are here.
Short and sweet – this is the entire motion:

RESOLVED:
That the proposal is passed such that Macclesfield Town Council declares a Climate Emergency and that this affects all future decision making of the council.

3 June 2019, Tiverton Town Council, England, UK, population 19,544

Declared a Climate Emergency and set up a working group
motion text


Minutes Item 28 are here.

Motion from Cllr A Perris
That following the declaration of a climate emergency by Devon County Council this council moves to follow their example, and that of the UK Parliament; and declares a climate emergency. As an action; we will create a new Environment Committee to work with local businesses and community groups in order to reduce Tiverton’s carbon footprint and to increase awareness of, and action on, climate change and the environment within the parish area. The Environment Committee to consist of elected members, members of the public and representatives of business and community groups with an interest in environmental matters.

3 June 2019, Whitchurch Town Council, England, UK, population 7,198

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a 2030 carbon neutral target date
motion text


Minutes Item 14 are here.

i) Declare a ‘climate emergency’;
ii) Pledge to do what is within its powers to be carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions;
iii) Report to Full Council within six months with an Action Plan, outlining how the Council will address this emergency. The Action Plan will detail the leadership role the Town Council will take in promoting community, public, business and other Council partnerships to achieve this Carbon Neutral 2030 Commitment throughout the parish. The Action Plan will also outline adequate staff time and resources to undertake the actions to achieve the target;
iv) Investigate all possible sources of external funding and match funding to support this commitment.
In addition, responsibility for developing an Action Plan will be delegated to the Leisure and Environment Committee. SECONDED by Cllr J Wall; the vote was unanimous, and the Motion was carried.

4 June 2019, Caerphilly County Borough Council, Wales, UK, population 181,019

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a 2030 carbon neutral target date
PROGRESS SO FAR:
26 November 2019: Planting 2,000 trees and hedgrow during National Tree Week
motion text


Motion text is here.
Notice of Motion:

– the Council declare a Climate Emergency;
– commit to making Caerphilly County Borough Council a net zero carbon local authority by 2030;
– within 12 months develop a clear energy plan for a route towards being net zero carbon;
– ask that Welsh and UK Government call on World Leaders to acknowledge the overwhelming scientific evidence that Climate Change has been created by human activity;
– call on Welsh and UK Government to provide the necessary support and resources to enable effective carbon reduction and move to a less resource intensive future;
– call on Welsh Government to move to measure out countries progress in a way that supports and reflects decarbonisation and the ambitious and forward thinking Well Being and Future Generations Act, rather than simply measuring resource use and consumerism;
– work with Public Service Board and Cardiff Capital Region City Deal partners to develop opportunities to deliver carbon savings and to take advantage of the wider benefits of becoming net zero carbon.

5 June 2019, Winchester City Council, England, UK, population 124,295

Cabinet declared a Climate Emergency and set a 2024 carbon neutral target date for council itself and 2030 for the entire district
PROGRESS SO FAR:
1 November 2019: Began community consultation on draft action plan for 2020-2025
motion text


Motion text in minutes is here.

RESOLVED:
1. That a ‘Climate Emergency’ be declared.
2. That Cabinet commit to an aim of making the activities of Winchester City Council carbon neutral by 2024, and the district of Winchester carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions (scope 1, 2 and 3 of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol). A report to be published within six months setting out the immediate actions the Council will take to address this emergency and a plan to measure annual district progress towards meeting the 2030 target.
3. That Cabinet will work with partners across the district to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans and drawing on local and global best practice.
4. That Cabinet will support the lobbying of the Government in relation to the Climate Emergency and providing the additional powers and resources needed to meet the 2030 target.

5 June 2019, Dawlish Town Council, England, UK, population 15,954

Declared a Climate Emergency
motion text


Minutes P18 are here.

6. Declare an Environmental and Wildlife Serious Concerns declaration.
Following discussion, it was Resolved that Dawlish Town Council:
(a) Declares a ‘climate emergency’;
(b) Pledges to do what is within its powers, to make Dawlish and District carbon neutral by 2025, considering both production and consumption emissions. Work with Teignbridge District Council and other local councils to achieve this goal;
(c) will call on Westminster to provide the powers and resources necessary for Dawlish and District to achieve the target of becoming carbon neutral by 2025, and to implement best practice methods to limit global warming to 1.5C;
(d) will create an Action plan to address the Climate Emergency in line with the TDC and DCC commitment to reduce carbon emissions / become carbon neutral by 2025. To do this we will create a working group. The working group will report back to full council within three months with a local action plan. Once approved, this plan would then be implemented and fed back into TDC and DCC climate emergency plans; and
(e) Will investigate all possible sources of external funding and match funding to support this commitment; and
(f) Declares an Environmental and Wildlife Serious Concerns declaration.
Members were in agreement that Councillor Heath should Chair the Working Group.

10 June 2019, Char Valley Parish Council, England, UK, population 1,139

Declared a Climate and Environmental Emergency
Minutes are here.

10 June 2019, Alderholt Parish Council, England, UK, population 3,171

Declared a Climate Emergency
motion text


Minutes are here.

Cllrs considered a report submitted by Cllr Godsall with the following being agreed;
1.Cllrs unanimously agreed that Alderholt Parish Council join the UK Government and Dorset Council in declaring a Climate Emergency.
2.Cllrs unanimously agreed that Alderholt Parish Councilwork with representatives of Dorset Council to develop a plan for the Parish to become carbon neutral by 2040.To implement this it was agreed that Cllrs Tooke and Godsall begin informal discussions with representatives of Dorset Council.
3.Cllrs unanimously agreed that Cllrs Godsall, English and Stockley make further investigations for report back to full council in order to that Cllrs may consider a proposal that Alderholt Parish Council launchesa scheme to plant 1000 trees on public and private land within the Parish, to be funded by voluntary contributions and sponsorship.

10 June 2019, Ross-on-Wye Town Council, England, UK, population 10,700

Unanimously passed the Mayor’s motion to declare a Climate Emergency, to make council operations carbon neutral by 2023, and planning decisions target being carbon neutral by 2030
motion text


Full motion text is in minutes here.
Excerpt:

Ross-on-Wye Town Council therefore commits to:
1. Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’ that requires urgent action.
2. Make the Council’s activities net-zero carbon by 2023.
3. Achieve 100% clean energy across the Council’s non-transport functions by 2023.
4. Ensure that all strategic decisions, budgets and approaches to planning are in line with a shift to zero carbon by 2030.
5. Review its policies and operations to ensure maximum protection for and promotion of wildlife and biodiversity.
6. Establish a working group of councillors and community representatives, including young people,to develop an action plan for a zero-carbonand wildlife-richRoss-on-Wye;
7. Call on the newly elected Herefordshire Council to enact policies to respond to the Climate Emergency, as declared by the previous Council.

10 June 2019, Newbury Town Council, England, UK, population 41,075

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a 2030 carbon neutral target date
motion text

 

Motion (Item 6) is here.
Excerpt:

Council therefore commits to:
1. Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’ that requires urgent action
2. Make the activities of Newbury Town Council carbon neutral by 2030, and ensure that the Council’s strategic plan supports this objective
3. Set up a Climate Emergency Working Group of Members and Officers at this Full Council meeting. This new Working Group will answer to the Full Council, and should:
i) Recommend the steps the Council should take to develop a clear evidence-based and fully costed strategy to ensure the Council’s activities are carbon neutral by 2030
ii) Recommend how best to engage, consult and work with relevant experts, potential partner organisations, outside bodies and community groups in the development of the strategy
iii) Recommend the processes and structures the Council should employ to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the strategy
iv) Explore how NTC can support and promote a wider program of activities to help Newbury as a whole become more sustainable
v) Report back to the Policy & Resources Committee on 14th October 2019 to give a status update and likely timescales for the completion of the strategy development, together with outline budget implications. This report and any recommendations would then come before the Full Council on 21st October 2019.

10 June 2019, Braunton Parish Council, England, UK, population 7,353

Declared a Climate Emergency. Agenda item P11 is here.

10 June 2019, Exmouth Town Council, England, UK, population 34,432

Declared a Climate Emergency
Record: https://devonclimateemergency.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Exmouth-Town-Council.pdf

10 June 2019, Berkhamsted Town Council, England, UK, population 18,500

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a 2030 carbon neutral target date for community

Minutes: https://www.berkhamstedtowncouncil.gov.uk/uploads/full-council-minutes-10-06-19.pdf?v=1560514037

11 June 2019, Northumberland County Council, England, UK, population 320,274

Cabinet declared a Climate Emergency and set a 2030 carbon neutral target date. Read the 54-point Statement of Intent containing details of the actions council will take.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
13 December 2019: Released draft action plan
motion text


Motion text in minutes is here.

RESOLVED ​that Cabinet:-
(a)acknowledges the significant progress made to date by the Councilin responding to climate change;
(b)agrees to declare a climate emergency;
(c)commits to halving the carbon footprint of the County Council by 2025, with this target being kept under annual review with theambition of continually improving its pace and scale;
(d)pledges to work with the Government to make Northumberland carbon neutral by 2030 whilst appreciating that this will require aconcerted national shift in behaviours and significant technologicaladvancements;
(e )produces a comprehensive and costed Action Plan for the next 3years that clearly demonstrates the initial phase of delivery by whichthe Council will meet its above carbon reduction managementcommitment and work toward the wider carbon neutrality pledge;
(f)maintains oversight of delivery through regular progress reportingand the full engagement of the cross-party Corporate Services andEconomic Growth Overview and Scrutiny Committee;
(g)agrees to expand the existing officer Climate Change Steering Groupresponsible for developing and delivering the Action Plan to includerepresentation from other relevant partner organisations;
(h)maintains the Council’s leadership in responding to climate change with the suite of tangible, practical actions being complementedwithin the Action Plan with clear steps aimed at:
○ raising staff awareness as to the importance of this agenda and the changes it will bring to how we currently operate; and
○ defining how best to engage the wider community in its ongoing development and delivery.

11 June 2019, Teignmouth Town Council, England, UK, population 15,129

Declared a Climate Emergency
motion text


Minutes Item 43 are here.

Cllr Cox proposed, Cllr Orme seconded and it was agreed unanimously that Teignmouth Town Council declare a climate emergency and aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025, and that the Town Clerk and Project & Facilities Manager beempowered to achievethis.The Clerk urged members to consider how they could reduce their carbon footprints in performing their council duties, such as car-sharing schemes for attending Teignmouth Town Council meetings.

11 June 2019, Birmingham City Council, England, UK, population 1,141,374

Unanimously declared a Climate Emergency and set a 2030 carbon neutral target date ‘or as soon after a a just transition permits’
motion text


Full motion text is in the minutes here.
Excerpt:

This Council resolves:
• To declare a climate emergency.
• To aspire for the City to be net zero carbon by 2030 or as soon after as
a just transition permits – making sure we take communities with us,
protecting employment and without impoverishing deprived
communities.
• To work with the WMCA and seek from the UK Government the powers
and resources to help Birmingham deliver the 2030 net zero carbon
ambition for a just transition.
• That the Council will lead by example and seek to be net zero carbon
by 2030 – again ensuring that this is just – taking communities with us,
protecting employment and without impoverishing deprived
communities.
• To constitute a Climate Emergency Task Force to support the Council
move from declaration to delivery drawing in cross sector, expertise,
capacity and capability to capture the investment and economic
opportunity arising from a low carbon future.
• To quickly set in place a process of engagement and collaborative
action that enables the Task Force to bring forward to Full Council in
January 2020 a plan that sets out how the aspiration for the City and
the ambition of the Council to be net zero carbon by 2030 can be best
achieved.
• As a matter of urgency to review planned Transport, Housing, Waste
and Energy Investment plans and policies to ensure they are fit to
support a transition to a zero-carbon future with Sustainability and
Transport Overview and Scrutiny monitoring progress and to provide
an update to Council in November 2019 and annually thereafter.

11 June 2019, North Ayrshire Council, Scotland, UK, population 135,280

Declared a Climate Emergency
motion text

Minutes Item 14 are here.

The Cabinet agreed to (a) approve the Council’s declaration of a climate change emergency; (b) instruct officers to undertake public consultation, with a particular focus on engaging young people, on the next steps for a collective response to tackling climate change in North Ayrshire; and (c) instruct that officers initiate preparation of an updated Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy for publication in Autumn 2020

11 June 2019, Hennock Parish Council, England, UK, population 1,747

Declared a Climate Emergency
Website report is here.

12 June 2019, Stevenage Borough Council, England, UK, population 87,754

Declared a Climate Emergency
PROGRESS SO FAR:
26 October 2019: New sustainable transport strategy
motion text


Full motion text is here.
Extract:

This Council declares a climate emergency and we:
– Will continue to reduce the council’s building and fleet emissions through developing and investing in carbon reduction projects and we will update our Carbon Management Plan regularly.
– Will continue to support residents and businesses in Stevenage to reduce their emissions using the powers and funding currently available to the Council.
– Will establish a Stevenage Climate Charter calling on all organisations, businesses and individuals in the town to each establish their own Carbon Management Plans and to commit to reducing their carbon emissions which will help us to work towards our town’s net carbon-zero aspiration
– Will establish a Stevenage People’s Assembly to monitor the Towns progress on Climate Emergency Actions against targets set by both the Council and other stake holders.
– Will continue to work with the Hertfordshire Sustainability Forum, the Hertfordshire Waste Partnership and Hertfordshire Infrastructure & Planning Partnership to promote and advocate joint measures and actions to meet our aspirational targets for carbon emissions reduction and sustainable transport solutions

We want and we need to be doing more to tackle this climate emergency, and know that with Government leadership (that is currently absent) we could be achieving zero carbon far sooner….

12 June 2019, Leafield Parish Council, England, UK, population 945

Declared a Climate Emergency and called a public meeting to discuss creating an action plan for a carbon neutral village. The minutes of the meeting are here.

12 June 2019, Clevedon Town Council, England, UK, population 21,281

Declared a Climate Emergency on 12 June 2019 and deferred discussion on how to implement actions to a special meeting on 24 June 2019
motion text


Minutes of 12 June meeting can be downloaded here, and for the 24 June special meeting here.
Motion text:

1. Declares a ‘Climate Emergency’;
2. Pledges to do whatever is in its power to make the town of Clevedon carbon neutral by 2030, considering both production and consumption emissions.
3. Will, as a first step, initiate and support a Clevedon working group/citizens assembly to investigate possible local responses and make recommendations for actions to council.
4. Will work with North Somerset Council, other local authorities, neighbouring local councils, appropriate government departments and other organisations to determine, implement and deliver best practice methods to limit Global Warming to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
5. Will place this issue on Council’s Committee agendas to agree strategies and action plans and regularly review progress.
6. Will, within six months and at regular intervals, thereafter, consider and take action on recommendations to address this emergency.
7. Provide adequate staff time, and leadership, to prepare a report within six months to establish how Clevedon Town Council, can sufficiently reduce carbon emissions through energy efficiency, low-carbon fuels and investment in renewable energy and other Council strategies, plans within a timescale which is consistent with an ambition to restrain Global Warming to 1.5?C. This will draw together the actions Clevedon Town Council is already, and will continue to take; and where possible, outline partners’ commitments to move towards a carbon neutral town by 2030.

13 June 2019, Caia Park Community Council, Wales, UK, population 12,602

Declared a Climate Emergency. The agenda item is here.

17 June 2019, Hampshire County Council, England, UK, population 1,376,316

Cabinet declared a Climate Emergency and resolved to develop an action plan within 6 months.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
10 January 2020: Progress report on Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan
motion text


Minutes of the decision P7 are here.

The decision:
1.1That Cabinet declares a ‘Climate Emergency’ in line with the action taken by many other Councils and organisations in the UK and globally, and commits to develop an action plan to provide a meaningful and effective set of measures to ensure that Hampshire moves towards carbon neutrality and greater resilience to the effects of climate change.
1.2Furthermore because of the widespread public and member interest in thismatter, that Cabinet recommends that the County Council endorses this decision.

17 June 2019, Ludlow Town Council, England, UK, population 10,266

Declared a Climate Emergency
motion text


Minutes P5 are here.
The motion:

Ludlow Town Council declares a Climate Emergency, with an aim of becoming a carbon neutral organisation by 2030. It commits to identifying ways in which it can support this objective and to explore, with the community, the development of a Ludlow Town Council climate change strategy, and to consider establishing a Climate Action Partnership.

17 June 2019, Warrington Borough Council, England, UK, population 209,547

Declared a Climate Emergency.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
28 January 2020: Solar and community benefit initiatives
motion text


The text of the secoond motion is here. It seems two motions, both declaring a Climate Emergency, were passed, but the meeting minutes aren’t published yet.
Excerpt from the 2nd motion:

Council calls on Cabinet to:
• Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’
• Update the 2013 Warrington Declaration on Climate Change by pledging to
make Warrington carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production
and consumption emissions;
• Ask Westminster to provide powers and resources to make the2030 target
possible;
• Work with our MPs who are calling for a Climate Emergency to be declared and
acted upon;
• Work with other governments (both within the UK and internationally) to
determine and implement best practice methods to limit Global Warming to
less than 1.5°C;
• Continue to work with partners across the town and region to deliver this new
goal through all relevant strategies and plans;
• End any direct Council investments in fossil fuels and request that the Cheshire
Pension Fund does the same, if there are any, within three years;
• Aim to make all Council owned property, both within and outside the borough,
carbon neutral by 2030;
• Report to Council within six months on the actions that are being taken, and
the Cabinet’s plan, and implementation timetable, for the future.

17 June 2019, Matlock Town Council, England, UK, population 9,543

Declared a Climate and Ecological Emergency and set a 2030 carbon neutral target date
motion text


Agenda Item 37 is here. Minutes are here.

Motion: that Matlock Town Council declaresaClimate and Ecological Emergency and commitsMatlock to becoming carbon neutral by 2030 so that our town does its part in ensuring global warming remains less than 1.5 degrees

17 June 2019, Salisbury City Council, England, UK, population 142,555

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a 2030 carbon neutral target date
PROGRESS SO FAR:
November 2019: New projects, including solar panels on the roof of the guildhall and other council-owned buildings, installation of a recycling bin and water fountain in the Market Square, the introduction of more wildflower areas and an initiative to recycle green waste from parks and open spaces.
motion text

 

Salisbury City Council resolves to:
1. Acknowledge that Wiltshire Council has declared a ‘Climate Emergency’ and that Salisbury City Council declare this too.
2. Work with partners to make the City of Salisbury as carbon neutral as possible by 2030.
3. Work with partners to achieve “clean air” in Salisbury by 2022, in particular by taking action to reduce vehicle emissions, supporting public transport, cycling and walking; replacing or converting all council-owned or operated vehicles to electric powered vehicles as soon as is practically possible; encouraging the rapid phasing out of diesel-powered buses in the City by bus operators and their replacement by cleaner or non-polluting alternatives; increasing wherever possible the extent of pedestrianised areas within the City centre; undertaking a comprehensive programme of improvement of the insulation of all council-owned property, and ensuring that such property shall be fitted with solar panels wherever possible; and doing everything within its power to ensure that such standards should also apply to any new buildings which are permitted within the City.
4. Fully support the work directed at tackling the Climate Emergency that will be carried out by Wiltshire Council where appropriate for the residents of Salisbury
5. Note that SCC’s Environmental Working Group will consider the development, promotion and delivery solutions specific to the City in carbon reduction and ecological protection
6. Call on Wiltshire Council to provide resources to deliver those solutions

18 June 2019, Mole Valley District Council, England, UK, population 87,253

Declared a Climate Emergency
motion text


Full motion text is here.
Excerpt:

Council therefore resolves to:
1. Declare a Climate Emergency.
2. Pledge to make Mole Valley District Council and its contractors carbon neutral by 2030, or earlier if possible, taking into account both production and consumption emissions.
3. Lobby Surrey County Council and the Government to provide resources that will make possible the 2030 target date set by scientists for total carbon neutrality.
4. Work cross-party within Mole Valley District Council, and with local businesses, land owners, community organisations and residents to make a positively beneficial impact on the environment and biodiversity in the District.
5. Place climate change on agendas to be discussed at appropriate committees – to build strategies and action plans with timescales.
6. Report actions undertaken to address this emergency to Council twice a year and inform Council of planned actions for the next period.
7. Use these actions to help create jobs and a stronger community, along with increased well-being and a sustainable future.

18 June 2019, Bridgnorth Town Council, England, UK, population 12,079

Recognised a Climate Emergency
motion text


Council news item and motion text is here.
Motion:

i. That Bridgnorth Town Council recognises a climate emergency.
ii. To aim for its own operations to become carbon neutral by 2030, including meaningful offsets.
AND
iii. That an advisory group be created (in line with an offer made by Sustainable Bridgnorth to provide advice, support and recommendations) that can report formally to the Town Council on how the Town Council might best proceed to reduce and measure any reduction in its (net) carbon footprint (Town Clerk to arrange for some appropriate terms of reference to be drawn up). Once a process had been identified a regular report (most likely annually) should be provided to the Town Council.
AND
iv. In the meantime (The Council) to be mindful of carbon emissions (with the aim of reducing them) in carrying out its routine or any new business.

18 June 2019, Coventry City Council, England, UK, population 366,785

Declared a Climate Emergency
motion text


The motion (Item 13) is here.
The motion:

This Council confirms its commitment to addressing the isssue of climate change and recommends the course of action that we are currently undertaking to respond to the climate change emergency

(One of the least ambitious motions we’ve seen, unless of course Coventry Council is already doing an exceptionally good job of tackling the Climate Emergency)

18 June 2019, Isle of Man Parliament (Tynwald), UK (dependency), population 83,314

Unanimously declared a Climate Emergency and set up a Climate Emergency Consultative Transformation Team
PROGRESS SO FAR:
January 2020: Released details of Stage 1 of the Climate Action Plan (see Appendix A for details).
motion text


Motion text (P.10) is here.

That Tynwald welcomes the Chief Minister’s statement that the Government recognises the climate change emergency that is facing the planet and is committed to immediate action on this;
welcomes further related measures and policy initiatives;
and calls on the Council of Ministers to set up a dedicated climate emergency transformation team, led by an independent Chair with relevant expertise, to develop the climate change action plan to include ambitious target options for achieving net zero carbon emissions with interim targets and a climate impact assessment of proposals;
in order to inform any statutory target obligations included in the proposed Climate Change Bill being introduced in the next legislative year;
and calls upon the Government to lay its Climate Change Action Plan before Tynwald by January 2020.

19 June 2019, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, England, UK, population 122,746

Unanimously declared a Climate Emergency and set an aspiration to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030
motion text

 

Text of the amended motion is here.
Excerpt:

In light of the above, the Council therefore agrees to:
1 Join other councils in declaring a Climate Emergency;
2 Ask the Leader to write to the Secretary of State requesting that they provide the necessary powers and resources to make local action on climate change easier;
3 Request that, in light of the IPCC report, a cross-party Climatic Change Group as a sub-group of EOSC is set up, which together with officers reviews the council’s Climate Change Policy with the aim of bringing a report to Council in autumn of 2019, after consideration by Overview and Scrutiny. The review should include an action plan to reduce carbon emissions with an aspiration for net zero carbon emissions by 2030, or a justification for a later date if the review finds this unachievable, and proposals for regular reporting to Overview and Scrutiny Committee of the progress with the plan;
4 Ask officers to ensure that, as the Council’s policies are routinely reviewed, specific consideration is given to how policies and our related decisions and actions, affect our contribution to climate change, and where necessary, update these policies to reduce our impact wherever possible; this will include a review of the Council’s procurement policies with an aspiration to increase the weight when scoring in the tender process – bids from businesses who display clear commitment to reducing their own carbon footprint.
5 Develop planning policies to harmonise with the aims of the Climate Emergency so that development is as far as practicable, in support of the initiative.
6 Ask officers to investigate the most appropriate training for Members and officers about how to promote carbon neutral policies for consideration by Council;
7 Continue to work with partners across the district, county and wide region to deliver widespread carbon reductions and to attempt to encourage public support for the aims of the Climate Emergency.
8 Set up a £50K fund from general fund balance to provide grants to support local organisations to improve their carbon footprint, the criteria to be established by the Climatic Change Group to be recommended to Cabinet for approval

19 June 2019, Hounslow London Borough Council, England, UK, population 270,782

Unanimously declared a Climate Emergency (no carbon neutral target date)
PROGRESS SO FAR:
6 September 2019: Commisioned an environmental consultancy firm to develop its Climate Emergency Strategy
motion text


The motion text is here.
Excerpt:

We therefore join with other local authorities, the Mayor of London and the UK Parliament in declaring a ‘Climate Emergency’ that requires urgent action.
Furthermore, we commit to reviewing the existing arrangements in place to reduce the council’s carbon footprint and will identify measures towards a goal of making the council’s activities carbon neutral and ultimately zero-carbon within the shortest achievable timeframe. To enable this, we call upon the government to make available the appropriate powers and funding to local and regional government as well as pursuing policies to decarbonise the national grid and support the production of renewable energy.

19 June 2019, Cockermouth Town Council, England, UK, population 8,761

Declared a Climate Emergency
motion text


Minutes are here.

Resolved –
(a) That Cockermouth Town Council declares a climate change emergency.
(b) That Cockermouth Town Council supports the presentation of a petition toencourage Allerdale Borough Council to declare a climate change emergency.
(c) That councillors A Semple, R Watson, S Barnes & Alan Smith produce a listof simple achievable actions that the Town Council can carry out andreport back to the Town Council by October/November 2019

19 June 2019, Chichester City Council, England, UK, population 26,795

Declared a Climate Emergency
PROGRESS SO FAR:
11 September 2019: Announced new actions to follow on from their CED motion. Details of the new motions passed by council are here.
motion text


Agenda item (P3) is here. Minutes are here.
Excerpt:

1. Declares a ‘Climate Emergency’
2. Pledges to make the City of Chichester carbon neutral by 2030…

19 June 2019, Torbay Council, England, UK, population 130,959

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a 2030 carbon neutral target date
motion text


The full motion record is here.
Excerpt:

a)That Torbay Council recognises the scale and urgency of the global challenge from climate change, as documented by the latest Special Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and declares a climate emergency;
b)That the Overview and Scrutiny Board be requested to review and recommend what further corporate approaches can be taken through Torbay Council’s Energy and Climate Change Strategy and to facilitate stronger Torbay-wide action through collaboration at a strategic, community and individual level;
c)That all relevant outside organisation member representatives, Cabinet Members and senior officers work with partners, including the Heart of the South West LEP, individuals and community action groups across Torbay to identify ways to make Torbay carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions;
d)That the Leader of the Council be requested to write to the Secretaries of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy; Transport; Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; and Housing, Communities and Local Government calling for the creation, provision or devolution of powers and resources to make achievement of the 2030 target possible in Torbay;
e)That the Interim Director of Place be requested to update the Council before the end of 2019 with the actions the Council has and will take to address this emergency; and Council be recommended:
f)That £25,000 be allocated from the Council’s 2019/20 contingency budget and authorise the Interim Director of Place to utilise this funding to resource the work necessary to support the Overview and Scrutiny Board and to assess any specific recommendations and financial implications, with any unspent allocation being carried forward into 2020/21 to continue the work.

20 June 2019, Rushmoor District Council, England, UK, population 95,142

Declared a Climate Emergency
motion text


Excerpt:

This Council will hereby:
1. Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’;
2. Pledge to make the Borough of Rushmoor carbon-neutral by 2030, taking into
account production and consumption emissions;
3. Explore ethical procurement, and incentivising electric car usage;
4. Seek to exceed the national average for recycling rates;
5. Eliminate the use of single-use plastics by the council by 2030;
6. Call on Westminster to provide necessary powers and resources to achieve the
2030 targets;
7. Mandate the Portfolio Holder responsible to regularly report back with actions
undertaken to address this emergency.

20 June 2019, Northamptonshire County Council, England, UK, population 747,622

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a 2030 carbon neutral target date
motion text


Motion text (Item 7) is here.
Excerpt:

This Council therefore declares a Climate Emergency in Northamptonshire and commits to a target of making Northamptonshire carbon neutral by 2030.
This Council further commits to work with partners to deliver that goal.
This Council calls upon its successor councils to continue this work once they come into existence.
Where appropriate, this Council will place climate change on the agenda of meetings with partners and will encourage joint working across all sectors of local governance.
This Council requests a report to be submitted to a meeting of full council before the end of March 2020 detailing the actions that have been taken to address and action this resolution.
This Council also requests an updated report to a meeting of full council not more than 12 months thereafter setting out the further actions that have been taken and detailing how progressing this target has been communicated to and integrated within the start up plans of its successor councils.

20 June 2019, Redbridge London Borough Council, England, UK, population 303,858

Unanimously declared a Climate Emergency and resolved to be carbon neutral by 2030 and carbon free by 2050
PROGRESS SO FAR:
10 August 2019: offering wireless charging points for electric vehicles
motion text


Agenda item 13, III is here. Minutes are here
Excerpts:

This council resolves to declare a climate emergency

This council resolves to:
– Produce a report on Redbridge’s impact on Climate with an appropriate action list to stop climate change that will go to cabinet for approval within 3 months, including measures to:
1. Make the council Carbon neutral by 2030 and being carbon free by 2050, in line with commitments already made by over 40 other councils, from Newham and Waltham Forest, to Somerset and Scarborough.
2. Undertake a green audit of council services.

– Establish a corporate panel that will track the council’s progress on tackling climate change and make additional recommendations to cabinet.

20 June 2019, North Lanarkshire Council, Scotland, UK, population 340,180

Declared a Climate Emergency
motion text


Agenda Item 10 is here.
Excerpt:

Believes that North Lanarkshire Council is a diverse and varied Local Authority with many challenges in terms of Climate Change however believes that we need to take action locally now to help contribute to deliver towards our ambitious targets across Scotland. Council therefore agrees to join recent calls across Scotland and indeed beyond; in declaring a climate emergency.
In doing so it instructs Council Officers to report urgently to the appropriate Council Committees on our strategic actions to help contribute to tackling climate change locally and agrees for Council to be updated accordingly on our actions as an Authority to help realise the change we need to see in order to respond to this climate emergency.

20 June 2019, Brixham Town Council, England, UK, population 16,693

Declared a Climate Emergency
motion text


Agenda Item 14 is here.
Motion text:

This council recognises the negative impact of human activity on the planet’s climate and biodiversity, and there for resolves to:
a)Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’;
b)Pledge to ask Torbay to do the same and to work with the Town Council to make Brixham and Torbay carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions;
c)Call on Westminster to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible;
d)Work with other local authorities (both within the UK and internationally) to determine and implement best practice methods to limit Global Warming to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius;
e)Work with partners across Torbay, the county and region to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans.
f)With all this in mind, to ask Torbay to develop an action plan within 6 months,outlining how the Council will address this emergency. The Action Plan will detail the leadership role Torbay Council will take in promoting community, public, business and other Council partnerships to achieve this Carbon Neutral 2030 Commitment. The Action Plan will also outline adequate staff time and resources to undertake the actions to achieve the target. It will also set out how it will work with Brixham Town Council to achieve this commitment in Brixham.

24 June 2019, Didcot Town Council, England, UK, population 26,920

Declared a Climate Emergency
Minutes are here.

24 June 2019, Harborough District Council, England, UK, population 92,499

Unanimously declared a Climate Emergency
PROGRESS SO FAR:
19 December 2019: details of revised Action Plan
motion text


Agenda item 12 is here.

It is recommended that:
i)Council declares a “Climate Emergency” with an aim to make Harborough District Council activities as far as practical carbon neutral by 2030.
ii)a Climate Change working group is established to develop an action plan to ensure all Council functions and decision making is in line with the shift to carbon neutral by 2030.
iii) the action plan is brought back to Council within 12 months for approval and implementation.

24 June 2019, Haddenham Parish Council, England, UK, population 4,502

Declared a Climate Emergency and pledged to be carbon neutral by 2030
motion text


Full motion text is here.
Excerpt:

Haddenham Parish Council Agrees to:
1. Declare a ‘climate emergency’;
2. Pledge to make Haddenham carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions (scope 1, 2 and 3)
3. Call on Westminster and the new Buckinghamshire Council and its shadow council to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible;
4. Work with other councils (both within Buckingham and in the UK) to determine and implement best practice methods to limit Global Warming to less than 1.5⁰C;
5. Continue to work with partners of Haddenham Parish Council to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans;
6. Prepare a report within 6 months with the actions Haddenham Parish Council will take to address this emergency.

24 June 2019, Thatcham Town Council, England, UK, population 26,217

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a 2030 carbon neutral target date for Thatcham as a whole
motion text


Agenda Item 12 is here.

24 June 2019, Ivybridge Town Council, England, UK, population 11,851

Declared a Climate Emergency. Minutes are here.

24 June 2019, Okehampton Town Council, England, UK, population 5,922

Declared a Climate Emergency
Minutes: https://www.okehampton.gov.uk/data/uploads/1520_1516301625.pdf

24 June 2019, Dundee City Council, Scotland, UK, population 148,270

Declared a Climate Emergency, approved unanimously by the Policy and Resources Committee which has all Councillors present at its meetings.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
December 2019: launched its Climate Action Plan
motion text


24 June 2019, Wembury Parish Council, England, UK, population 2,740

Declared a Climate, Environment, and Biodiversity Emergency
motion text


Minutes P13 are here.

Wembury Parish Council resolves to:
•Declare a ‘Climate, Environment and Biodiversity Emergency’;
•Create an ‘Environment Committee’ and work with all partners, including environmental experts, other local authorities, businesses and residents, to produce an ‘Environmental Action Plan’ and report this back to council within six months;
•Call on higher levels of government (Westminster, Devon County Council and South Hams District Council) to implement swift appropriate actions and provide the powers, funding and resources to make carbon neutrality and environmental restoration possible;
Proposed by: Councillor Matthew Chown

25 June 2019, Lowestoft Town Council, England, UK, population 71,010

Declared a Climate Emergency
motion text

 

Agenda item 54 is here. (email from Mayor confirms it was adopted)
The motion:

54.1 To consider declaration of a climate emergency, and if so to consider the following:
54.1a Setting up a Working Group by September 2019
54.1b Working alongside partners, including other tiers of Government

25 June 2019, Torfaen County Borough Council, Wales, UK, population 93,049

Declared a Climate Emergency via an amended motion that explicitly declared a Climate Emergency
motion text


Agenda notice P299 (later amended as described in the above article) is here.

25 June 2019, Hednesford Town Council, England, UK, population 17,343

Declared a Climate Emergency
motion text


Minutes P13 are here.
Excerpt:

– Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’ that requires urgent action
– Commit to becoming a carbon-neutral organisation by 2030…

25 June 2019, Kingston upon Thames Council, England, UK, population 175,470

Declared a Climate Emergency. On 24 April 2019, full council resolved to refer the decision to the Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee, which voted unanimously in favour on 25 June 2019.
motion text


Minutes of council meeting 24 April 2019 are here. Minutes of Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee meeting 25 June 2019 are here.
Excerpt:

This Council resolves to:
i. declare a ‘Climate Emergency’ that requires urgent action;
ii. establish a new working group, with a remit to: draw together the work of the Council, already underway, to reduce the impacts of climate change, identify gaps and develop a plan that aims to set a challenging target date of 2038 for carbon neutrality and a baseline figure from which achievement will be measured;
iii. seek advice from experts to develop 5-year carbon budgets, across all the Council’s activities;
iv. consider the climate change impact of the Council’s activities to inform the action plan;
v. assess the feasibility of requiring all risk and procurement assessments to include Carbon Emission Appraisals, including presenting alternative approaches which reduce emissions wherever possible;
vi. the working group will include council officers, partners and Members from across the Council;
vii. task a director-level officer with responsibility for reducing the carbon emissions resulting from the Council’s activities according to the plan;
viii. equip all our staff, particularly those involved with planning, buildings, energy and transport management and procurement of goods and services, with an awareness of the CO 2 costs and impacts of everyday activities, and the ability and motivation to reduce emissions;
ix. report on the level of investment in the fossil fuel industry that our pensions plan and other investments have, and review the Council’s investment strategy to give due consideration to climate change impacts in the investment portfolio;
x. work towards involving the wider community, including local businesses and our young people, in shaping the future, through a workshop or Citizens’ Assemblies; and
xi. call on the UK Government to provide the powers, resources and help with funding to make this possible, and ask local MPs to do likewise.

25 June 2019, Bromyard & Winslow Town Council, England, UK, population 4,500

Declared a Climate Emergency
Minutes are here.

25 June 2019, North West Leicestershire District Council, England, UK, population 103,611

Declared a Climate Emergency
Minutes are here.

26 June 2019, Warwick District Council, England, UK, population 142,484

Declared a Climate Emergency
motion text


Amended motion text is here.

This Council declares a ‘Climate Emergency’ because of the significant and urgent action needed; consequently, Warwick District Council commits to:
1.Becoming a net-zero carbon organisation, including contracted out services, by 2025 in terms of scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.
2.Facilitating decarbonisation by local businesses, other organisations and residents so that total carbon emissions within Warwick District are as close to zero as possible by 2030.
3.Working with other local councils to lobby central government to help address the above points including by funding and changing regulation.
4.Engaging with and listening to all relevant stakeholders including members of the Warwickshire Youth Parliament regarding approaches to tackling the climate emergency.
5.Ensuring that tackling the Climate Emergency is central to the strategic business plan – both in terms of adaptation and mitigation.
6.Producing within six months an action plan to implement these commitments. This will be lead by the portfolio holder for Environment and Business who will form a group with shadow portfolio holders for this purpose.
7.The Council accepts the invitation to take part in the internationally recognised UN programme One Carbon World. Therefore becoming the first council to become carbon neutral through this scheme and achieving the internationally recognised UN Climate Neutral Status.

26 June 2019, Swale Borough Council, England, UK, population 148,519

Unanimously declared a Climate and Ecological Emergency
motion text


Agenda Item 11 is here.

That the Council resolves:
To declare a ‘Climate and Ecological Emergency’.
To draw up an action plan with improvement in energy efficiency and making space for nature as key priorities in all strategies and plans.
Pursue the Swale Strategic Air Quality Action Plan 2018-22 and to actively lobby all responsible authorities to improve air quality within Swale.
To provide leadership by taking all measures within our control to make Swale Borough Council’s own operations carbon neutral by 2025, taking into account both production and consumption emissions (scope 1, 2 and 3).[1] To engage with businesses, organisations and residents to facilitate the action required to make the Borough of Swale carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions (scope 1, 2 and 3).
To undertake actions including, but not be limited to, spatial and transport planning to make fewer journeys necessary, improvement to the energy efficiency of new and existing housing and buildings, improved public transport especially in rural areas; encouraging active transport, developing the infrastructure for EVs; deploying renewable energy at every opportunity, while continuing to safeguard our wild places, ancient woodlands and hedgerows.
To call on Westminster to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible.
To call upon the MPs for Sittingbourne & Sheppey and for Faversham & Mid Kent to support this motion.
To work with other governments (both within the UK and internationally) to determine and implement best practice methods to limit global warming to less than 1.5°C.
To work with partners across the Borough to deliver these new goals through all relevant strategies and plans.
To become a ‘Plastic-Free Council’ by eliminating single-use plastics from the Council’s operations, whenever possible, by 2021.
To request the Cabinet, working through the Policy Development and Review Committee, to report the actions the Council will take to address this emergency to Full Council by the end of the 2019/20 municipal year.

26 June 2019, Greenwich London Borough Council, England, UK, population 286,186

Declared a Climate Emergency
PROGRESS SO FAR:
22 January 2020: published an evidence-based expert report on how to reach carbon neutrality
motion text


Record of decision Item 15 is here.

Council resolves to:
– Join other local authorities and declare a ‘climate emergency’.
– Pledge to make Royal Borough of Greenwich carbon neutral by 2030 – or earlier if possible – and to make sure that in meeting this pledge the Council takes steps to avoid any adverse impacts on vulnerable residents.
– Pledge to develop a Greenwich Carbon Neutral Plan, detailing how the Council’s pledge to become carbon neutral by 2030 will be achieved – and requests that this Greenwich Carbon Neutral Plan is brought to Full Council for approval by January 2020 at the latest.
– Pledge to produce, in January of each year between now and 2030, a Greenwich Climate Emergency Annual Report, detailing the Council’s progress against the Greenwich Carbon Neutral Plan – which will enable members, residents and other local stakeholders to hold the Council to account for delivery of this pledge.
– Pledge to review and update the Action Plan of the Greener GreenwichStrategy. We aim to have this completed by December 2019. We willpublish an Annual Report outlining the progress we have made against these actions.
– Pledge to create the first Greenwich Partnership to focus on climatechange and ask our partner organisations across Greenwich to make clear commitments to dealing with this crisis.
– Use our lobbying power as a local authority to campaign at the local, London-wide and national level to draw attention to issue and bring aboutchanges at all levels of government.
– Pledge that the Core Strategy will be reviewed to help ensure we deliver our Carbon Neutral target.
– Pledge to explore all opportunities to divest our pension fund investments, while discharging the relevant fiduciary responsibilities to members of the pension fund, and work to ensure that wherever possible any future investments are assessed against these principles.
– Pledge to ensure that sustainability is central to our Procurement strategy.
– Pledge to make this council free of single-use plastics by 2020 and work towards reducing the use of single-use plastics across all council buildings.

26 June 2019, Windsor and Maidenhead Borough Council, population 150,906

Declared an Environmental and Climate Emergency
PROGRESS SO FAR:
17 November 2019: Switched all council’s electricity use to renewable electricity, including for all council offices, libraries, street lighting, council-maintained schools, and car parks
motion text

 

This Council:
i) Declares an environmental and climate emergency; whilst noting the council’s achievements in reducing its environmental impacts including reducing its energy consumption by 21% and the ambitious ongoing targets to further reduce energy consumption by 10% within four years, adopted in the Energy and Water Strategy 2019-2023;

ii) Welcomes the Government’s commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and calls on them to provide additional powers and resources to ensure the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead can help deliver on national targets; and

iii) Will establish a Cross-Party Working Group to undertake an in-depth review of the council’s current carbon footprint and to formulate, consult and agree on a net Zero Carbon Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead by 2050 Strategy in consultation with local stakeholders and partners with a draft strategy to be brought before Full Council within 12 months.

26 June 2019, Gravesham Borough Council, England, UK, population 106,385

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a carbon neutral target date of 2030 for council operations
motion text


Article and motion text is here. Minutes are here.

This motion calls on the full council to:
Declare a climate emergency;
Pledge to do what is within its powers and resources to make Gravesham Borough Council carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions;
Call on Westminster to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible;
Continue to work with partners across the county and region to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies;
Investigate all possible sources of external funding and match-funding to support this commitment;
Complete a Green audit of all council services to ensure that weight is given to the environmental and sustainability impact as well as cost;
The Council will encourage plastic-free initiatives and support events intended to promote plastic reduction in the Borough
Set up a working group to report back within six months with the actions the council will take to address this emergency

26 June 2019, Blackpool Council, England, UK, population 139,720

Declared a Climate Emergency and banned fracking on council-owned land
motion text


Agenda Item 7(e) is here.
Excerpt:

The Council therefore commits to:
– Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’ that requires urgent action;
– Make the Council’s activities net-zero carbon by 2030;Achieve 100% clean energy across the Council’s full range of functions by 2030;
– Ensure that all strategic decisions, budgets and approaches to planning decisions are in line with a shift to zero carbon by 2030;
– Support and work with all other relevant agencies towards making the entire area zero carbon within the same timescale;
– Ensure that all Council led leadership teams embed this work in all areas and take responsibility for reducing, as rapidly as possible, the carbon emissions resulting from the Council’s activities, ensuring that any recommendations are fully costed and that the Executive and Scrutiny functions review council activities taking account of production and consumption emissions and produce an action plan within 12 months, together withbudget actions and a measured baseline;Request that Council Scrutiny Committees consider the impact of climate change and the environment when reviewing Council policies and strategies;
– Work with, influence and inspire partners across Blackpool, Lancashire and the North West to help deliver this goal through all relevant strategies, plans and shared resources by developing a series of meetings, events and partner workshops;
– Request that the Council and partners -not least the Council’s wholly owned companies, take steps to proactively include young people in the process, ensuring that they have a voice in shaping the future;
– Request that the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Climate Change convene a Citizens’ Assembly before the end of the calendar year, in order to involve the wider population in this process. This group would help develop its own role, identify how the Council’s activities might be made net-zero carbon by 2030, consider the latest climate science and expert advice on solutions and to consider systematically the climate change impact of each area of the Council’s activities;
– Set up a Climate Change Partnership group, involving Councillors, residents, young citizens, climate science and solutions experts, businesses, Citizens Assemblyrepresentatives and other relevant parties. Over the following four years, the Group will consider strategies and actions being developed by the Council and other partner organisations and develop a strategy in line with a target of net zero emissions by2030. It will also recommend ways to maximise local benefits of these actions in other sectors such as employment, health, agriculture, transport and the economy;
– Report on the level of investment in the fossil fuel industry that our pensions plan and other investments have, and review the Council’s investment strategy to give due consideration to climate change impacts in the investment portfolio;
– Ensure that all reports in preparation for the 2020/ 2021 budget cycle and investment strategy will take into account the actions the council will take to address this emergency;
– Call on the UK Government to provide the powers, resources and help with funding to make this possible, and ask local MPs to do likewise;
– Consider other actions that could be implemented, including (but not restricted to): renewable energy generation and storage, providing electric vehicle infrastructure and encouraging alternatives to private car use, increasing the efficiency of buildings,
in particular to address fuel poverty; proactively using local planning powers to accelerate the delivery of net carbon new developments and communities, coordinating a series of information and training events to raise awareness and share good practice;
– Furthermore, this Council makes clear its fundamental opposition to the practice of fracking. The Council will not allow its land to be used for fracking; and
– Finally, via the Local Government Association, the Council will invite in a group of experts toadvise on what steps can be taken quickly to have the greatest possible impact on air quality, modal shift away from private cars, increased take up on public transport, and ensure that every aspect of the Councils activities are sighted on the need to preserve Blackpool’s ecological and environmental heritage.

26 June 2019, Horsham District Council, England, UK, population 142,217

Acknowledged the Climate Emergency
motion text

 

Report and motion text is here.
Motion:

We agree that in the face of recent dire warnings from the World Scientific community concerning global warming, the loss of millions of insects and animal species and rampant deforestation, we are facing a climate emergency.

We propose therefore that this Council develops and implements a plan for the use of renewable technologies, sustainable transport options, zero carbon building, and for waste reduction and enhanced recycling within the District, working towards a net zero carbon target.

We acknowledge that there will need to be public engagement and involvement, and resources will be required to underpin and support the long-term requirements of this far reaching proposal.

26 June 2019, Witney Town Council, England, UK, population 27,522

Declared a Climate Emergency
PROGRESS SO FAR:
28 July2019: Held a Public Meeting enabling everyone to share ideas and visions for change, and to explore ways in which we can all work together to make Witney net-zero carbon as soon as possible. Attended by 150 people.

26 June 2019, Weymouth Town Council, England, UK, population 58,200

Declared a Climate and Ecological Emergency
PROGRESS SO FAR:
19 November 2019: Report on what has been done so far, what is in progress, and what is planned
motion text


Minutes P5 are here.

That the Council:
a) Declare a climate change and ecological emergency (amendment on night)
b) Develop, as soon as possible, a report to go across the whole of the Council’s activities which provides quantitative measures of the climate impact of those activities, an overall aggregate measure of the total impact of the Council’s activities, to consider climate mitigation measures (such as solar PV), and to provide reports of these measures in subsequent corporate documents to Services committee, Finance and Governance committee and then Full Council.
c) Officers being asked to bring a report as soon as possible, to determine any financial impacts of producing the above report, and identifying a budget for any impacts identified.
d) Strive to Make the Council’s activities net-zero carbon by 2030 or earlier if possible.
e) Set, as soon as possible, annual targets for these quantitative measures of climate impact on all the Council’s activities for the next 10 years which in aggregate amount to net zero carbon by 2030.
f) Ensure that all planning comments to Dorset Council are consistent with a shift to net-zero carbon by 2030.
g) Make decisions that discourage fossil fuel car use, withdraw all forms of subsidy to such usage, redirect resources into electric vehicles, walking, cycling provision and improved rail and bus services, and supports projects that help ensure that all citizens can travel to work and education, and access services in an environmentally friendly way.
h) Ensure that all policy papers submitted to the Council and its Committees include a Climate Change Impact Assessment.
i) Engage with all relevant local agencies and partners, including Low Carbon Dorset, to help deliver these goals through all relevant strategies, plans and shared resources and send representatives to attend any meetings, events and partner workshops.
j) Call on the UK Government to provide the powers, resources and help with funding to make this possible, and lobby local MPs to do likewise.

26 June 2019, Mid Devon District Council, England, UK, population 81,695

Declared a Climate Emergency, but not in so many words. They passed a motion to sign on to the Devon Climate Declaration penned by the Devon Climate Emergency Response Group set up by Devon County Council when that council declared a Climate Emergency. Mid Devon Councillors are treating that as their own council having declared a Climate Emergency. As a follow-up action, on 24 July 2019, they passed this motion: “That this council instructs the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration to take the earliest available opportunity in planning policy terms to embed a zero-carbon requirement on all future development taking place in Mid Devon to respond to the climate emergency.”

26 June 2019, West Oxfordshire District Council, England, UK, population 109,800

Declared a Climate and Ecological Emergency
motion text


Minutes Item 18 are here.

Climate change is one of the most urgent global challenges facing us today. Accordingly, this Council declares a state of climate emergency, and commits to work towards the reduction of emissions for the benefit of both present and future generations by:
a)Committing to a goal of zero greenhouse gas emissions across the District by 2050 or earlier wherever possible, and
b)Setting up a cross party working group tasked with recommending how this Council will achieve this goal. This working group will report back to this Council by January 2020, with concrete proposals for our next steps. These steps will include ways in which this Council will begin to reduce its own carbon footprint with immediate effect, how we will support providers to do the same, how we will support and invest in the generation and use of renewable energy across this district, and how we will work with other councils, including our Publica partners, to achieve the UK’s goal.
c)The Council will form a panel of residents and create a cross party working group to report back to the Council by January 2020 to assist in the formulation of its Plans.

26 June 2019, Hackney London Borough Council, England, UK, population 279,665

Declared a Climate Emergency
PROGRESS SO FAR:
2 November 2019: There will be 5,000 street trees planted, and a four-figure number in parks, delivered by the end of mayor Phil Glanville’s term in 2022.
20 December 2019: Planting edible forest on Hackney Marshes
13 February 2020: council’s publicly owned energy company is providing free home insulation
motion text


Minutes Item 12 are here.
Excerpt:

RESOLVED to:
1.Tell the truth about the climate emergency we face, and pursue its declaration of a climate emergency with the utmost seriousness and urgency.
2.Pledge to do everything within the Council’s power to deliver against the stretching targets set by the IPCC’S October 2018 1.50C Report, across the local authority’s fullrange of functions, including a 45% reduction in emissions against 2010 levels by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2040, and seeking opportunities to make a greatercontribution.
3.Call on the UK Government to provide powers and resources to make the 2030 and 2040 targets possible.
4.Actively campaign to change national policy where failure to tackle the challenge of heating our homes without fossil fuels, fossil fuel subsidies, insufficient carbon taxation,
road-building, and airports expansion, for example, has actively undermined decarbonisation and promoted unsustainable growth.
5.Support the campaign to create a just transition for workers and users and be part of the creation nationally of a million public sector climate jobs with particular reference to extending sustainable accessible and integrated public transport, retrofitting housingstock, energy democracy, heating and cooling from renewable energy and eco build, food and waste.
6.Involve, support and enable residents, businesses and community groups to accelerate the shift to a zero carbon world, working closely with them to establish and implement successful policies, approaches and technologies that reduce emissions across our economy while also improving the health and wellbeing of our citizens.
7.Produce an annual update to Full Council on the progress made against the Council’s decarbonisation commitments, and conduct an annual Citizens Assembly comprised of a representative group of local residents to allow for effective public scrutiny the Council’s progress and to explore solutions to the challenges posed by global warming.
8.Work with other local governments (both within the UK and internationally) to determine and implement best practice methods to limit Global Warming to less

27 June 2019, Islington London Borough Council, England, UK, population 239,142

Declared an Environment and Climate Emergency and set a 2030 carbon net zero target date
motion text


Minutes are here.
Excerpt:

This Council resolves to –
– Declare an environment and climate emergency.
– Pledge to work towards making Islington net zero carbon by 2030, ahead of
the current 2050 target.
– Make representations to regional and national government to urge them to
take action to support the goal of a net zero carbon Islington by 2030,
including through the provision of the necessary resources and legal powers to
the Council and others to support the action needed to achieve this.
– Continue to work with partners across the borough to deliver this new goal
through all relevant strategies and plans, ensuring that reducing carbon
emissions is embedded in all relevant Council decision making.
– Publish on an annual basis details of carbon emissions reduction interventions
the Council is delivering and commissioning, including the progress these
actions are delivering in reducing the tonnage of carbon emissions in the
borough.
– Ensure local people are able to contribute to the formulation and scrutiny of
the strategic actions needed to address the environment and climate
emergency by consulting on proposals and by organising an annual ‘Tackling
the Environment and Climate Emergency’ meeting, hosted by the Environment
and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee, in addition to the wide-range of existing
opportunities for local people to make representations to the Council.
– Report to Full Council on 27th February 2020 what strategic actions the Council
is taking to address the environment and climate emergency, including plans
and milestones to achieve emissions reductions within the Council’s control,
and to share details of representations being made to other institutions to
achieve reductions in emissions outside of the Council’s direct control.

27 June 2019, Renfrewshire Council, Scotland, UK, population 177,790

Declared a Climate Emergency
motion text


Minutes are here.
Excerpt:

This council agrees to:

1. Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’;

2. Pledge to work proactively with others to make Renfrewshire carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions;

3. Continue to work with partners and community groups across Renfrewshire to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plans;

4. Assist communities to become more resilient to the impacts of global warming, particularly to flooding and to drought

5. Ensure that all reports in preparation for the 2020/21 budget will take into account the actions the council will take to address this emergency;

6. Report to Full Council before the end of 2019 with the actions the Council has, and will take, to address this emergency.

27 June 2019, Moray Council, Scotland, UK, population 95,520

Declared that ‘climate change is an ecological emergency’ and set a a 2030 carbon neutral target date.
motion text


The minutes are here.

the Council:
i. recognised that climate change is an ecological emergency and needs to be serious about taking necessary actions to protect our area, country and planet;
ii. agreed to form a Climate Change Group made up of officers and elected members (members to be representatives nominated by group leaders), to direct and scrutinise the climate change strategy currently being prepared and the need for increasing biodiversity;
iii. agreed to appoint an Elected Member to be a Climate Change Champion to be agreed at the Climate Change Group;
iv. agreed to consider and approve a final climate change strategy and action plan within 6 months and ensure it is adopted and informs policy for all departments; and
v. agreed that the strategy will set a goal of being carbon neutral by 2030 and that the Council, it’s officers and members will work with others across Moray to deliver that goal.

27 June 2019, Swansea Council, Wales, UK, population 246,466

Unanimously declared a Climate Emergency
motion text


Minutes are here.
Excerpt:

This Council therefore declares climate emergency, and calls upon the government of the United Kingdom to do the same. We commit to:
1.Call upon the UK and Welsh governments to provide us with the necessary powers and resources to ensure Swansea becomes carbon neutral by 2030.
2.Publicise climate emergency and promote a greater awareness of the truth of climate change amongst the local population.
3.Work with relevant experts in research and development to:
a.Review our current strategies and action plans for addressing climatechange.
b.Identify any further policy changes or actions which we could undertake, within the scope of our powers and resources, to meet the challenge of climate emergency.
c.Seek the help of local partners such as Swansea University and other research bodies to, within one year, produce a report to share with the community, explaining work already underway and achievements alreadymade, as well as targets for the future.
4.Update on further work undertaken by the Council in this area on an annual basis through the Council Annual Review of Performance Report section on corporate objective – Maintaining and enhancing Swansea’s natural resources and biodiversity.

27 June 2019, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Scotland, UK, population 148,790

Declared a Climate Emergency
motion text


Full agenda item (P323) is here. Minutes are here.
Excerpt:

1.Dumfries and Galloway Council hereby declares a Climate Emergency and recognises the impact this will have on our quality of life. We recognise our responsibility to tackle climate change and fully commit to taking effective action to limit the impact on our region and its people;
2.We recognise the challenges ahead to tackle climate change and, whilst we have already made significant strides towards achievement of a regional net zero carbon status, we will seek to achieve this outcome by the year 2030 and, wherever possible embrace opportunities to accelerate our target date;
3.We recognise our critical strategic leadership role to tackle climate change and will create a new and specific council priority from which our strategic objectives and outcomes will flow;
4.We will urgently review all policy and practice across our council directorates and departments to identify ways in which we can move further and faster on carbon reduction measures;
5.We will embed climate change considerations into all policy and practice risk assessments to ensure a continuous focus on the implications our actions may have on our environment, and ensure that measures to reduce or eliminate carbon emissions are acted on;
6.We recognise the existing impact of the changing climate on the lives of local populations and will help them to make informed decisions on how to adapt to climate change; individuals, communities and businesses need a greater understanding of climate change and its impacts;
7.We recognise the importance of our biodiversity and natural environment in our drive to reduce the impact of climate change and will encourage and support practices to enhance and sustain the farmed and natural world;
8.We will embrace innovative measures and respond as a priority to technological advances which can reduce our region’s impact on climate change. This will enable opportunities to contribute to the economic development and diversity of our region by supporting businesses and communities which can benefit from schemes and projects which support our priority to tackle climate change;
9.We recognise that our pursuit of net zero carbon emissions is a challenge which all people who live and work in our region will share. Accordingly, we will establish a broad based and diverse Citizens’ Panel, which will bring together representatives from across our region, harnessing the skills, experience and innovation our people possess to inform and influence the action we will take as a council;
10.We will produce a Climate Change Strategic Action Plan which will incorporate our obligations under the Climate Change (Emission Reduction) (Scotland) Bill when enacted, encapsulate everything that we can do to reduce or eliminate carbon emission and, will incorporate actions on loss of biodiversity and our natural environment;
11.We will commit to working closely with other local authorities, statutory agencies, public and private sector organisations and our communities to achieve carbon reduction outcomes and will seek to identify and share best practice;
12.In recognition of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s commitment to our Climate Change Declaration on eliminating carbon emissions, protecting our region’s biodiversity and natural environment we will appoint an elected member as our Environment Champion.

With the magnitude of the task ahead, it is important to note that this motion will represent a radical and comprehensive step change in Dumfries and Galloway Council’s approach over the last decade to climate change. Consequently, a collegiate cross-party alliance is crucial, and indeed is the reasonable expectation of the communities we represent. We must therefore adopt an ethos that ensures in the years ahead that nothing should be off the table in our commitment to protecting quality of life for generations to come. We urge you to support this motion.
Moved: Elaine Murray, Council Leader
Seconded: Rob Davidson, Depute Leader

27 June 2019, Derry City and Strabane District Council, Northern Ireland, UK, population 150,679

Declared a Climate Emergency and resolved to establish an all-party Climate Emergency Working Group
motion text


Minutes are here.

– This Council declares a climate emergency.
– This Council notes that URGENT action is required at international, national, local and individual level to address the devastating impact of climate change.
This Council further notes that Council officers are currently working on the development of a Green Infrastructure Strategy and Climate Adaptation Plan.
– This Council recognizes the valuable work of environmental campaigners, young activists, pressure groups and other organisations and further recognizes thevalue of engaging with these groups in seeking to protect our citizens from the effects of climate breakdown.
– This Council resolves to establish an all-party Climate Emergency Working Group to investigate and determine how Derry City and Strabane District should respond to the climate crisis, identifying mitigation measures that may be put in place as a matter of urgency.

27 June 2019, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, England, UK, population 2,320,214

Declared a Climate Emergency
motion text


Minutes are here.
Excerpt:

Resolved:
(a)That the ‘Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5oC’, published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in October 2018 be noted and that the Combined Authority declare a climate emergency.
(b)That the Combined Authority strengthen its target in line with the IPCC, and once further carbon abatement work is complete, amend the Energy Strategy and Delivery Plan to deliver this target.
(c) That in order to achieve significant results the Combined Authority will continue to focus on delivering the five key priorities within the Energy Strategy and Delivery Plan.
(d)That the Combined Authority continue to support a range of low carbon projects being delivered.
(e)That the Combined Authority work with the Green Economy Panel and wider Local Enterprise Partnership and new Leeds City Region Climate Coalition to achieve the strengthened target and deliver the Energy Strategy and Delivery Plan.
(f)That future Combined Authority reports will comment on the impact any decision will have on the climate emergency agenda.
(g)That a report be brought to a future meeting.

27 June 2019, South Derbyshire District Council, England, UK, population 107,261

Declared a Climate Emergency
Minutes are here.

28 June 2019, West Midlands Combined Authority, England, UK, population 2,916,458

Declared a Climate Emergency
motion text


Motion text Item 11 is here.

Decision:
(1) The position statement, evidence base for change and proposed next steps outlined in the report were noted.
(2) The evidence base provided to support the negotiation of a regional carbon reduction target was noted.
(3) A ‘climate emergency’ requiring urgent action was declared, and it was agreed to receive a further report at the next meeting on 26 July with a proposed regional target for carbon reduction and a report to a meeting in the Autumn setting out a practical action plan for delivery.
(3) The proposed next step to begin a rapid programme of engagement to develop a collaborative action plan which brought the region together in both headline targets and practical actions on the ground was endorsed.
(4) Member council officers were to be asked to support the development of this work as part of a collective re-fresh of the environmental portfolio and greater regional momentum on next steps.

For UK decarations from 1 July 2019 onwards, go to https://www.cedamia.org/ced-uk-from-july-2019/