Rayleigh Town Council Declares A Climate Emergency

Some time ago our efforts at the District Council to declare a climate emergency was stopped by the Conservatives. However, always determined, at the last meeting of Rayleigh Town Council I put forward a motion that the Town Council declared a climate emergency.

The town council members seemed wholly enthusiastic about the motion and I'm pleased to report that Rayleigh Town Council voted in favour of my motion.

What does this mean? The details of my motion are below - any thoughts and ideas on what the Town Council should be prioritising to act on climate change in Rayleigh then please post comments below or drop me a message.

Climate Emergency Motion

James Newport

Motion on Notice:

Council Notes:

1. The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report issued in August

2021 which stated that:

"it is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land.

Widespread and rapid changes in the atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere and biosphere have occurred."

2. That comprehensive and urgent action is required by 2030 to limit global temperature rises

to as little above the recommended 1.5 degrees Celsius above 1900 levels as possible, as

recommended by the IPCC; and that the consequences of not doing so are so severe that

preventing this from happening must be humanity's number one priority

3. That all governments (national, regional and local) have a duty to limit the negative impacts

of climate change and to commit to realistic carbon reduction targets and carbon neutrality

as quickly as possible;

4. That many councils have already declared a climate emergency and committed to carbon

neutrality by 2030;

As a result this Council resolves:

1. To join other councils in declaring a Climate Emergency;

2. To use all reasonable endeavours to reduce any negative impact of Council services on the environment, with the goal to be carbon neutral by 2030

3. To develop plans to deliver that goal, to ensure that specific consideration is given to how

policy and related decisions and actions of council contribute to climate change and to

report regularly on progress towards the goal

4. To continue working with partners, suppliers, other agencies, local businesses and residents

to deliver carbon reductions

5. To provide information and guidance to local businesses and residents to gain their support

and encourage the community to join in carbon reduction efforts.

6. To form a Climate Action Working Group to investigate and recommend actions to Full Council actions within the powers of the Town Council.