WORCESTERSHIRE County Council finally officially declared a Climate Emergency and set out steps to address the issues facing the planet.
The authority said it had acknowledged the need to act on the causes of climate change and had committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero from council activities by 2050.
A motion was put forward by Labour and Liberal Democrat county councillors which was agreed after an amendment by the Conservative Group.
The authority has vowed to endorsing its ambitious ‘Net Zero Carbon Plan’ and to continuing to work with partner authorities to review and update all relevant strategies to reach the target.
The council will also establishing a Member Advisory Group to assist with the future revision of plan and to report annually on actions taken.
Members have also reaffirmed the target of reaching net carbon neutral by 2050 in line with the Government’s target.
Bromsgrove Central councillor Joshua Robinson said: “One of the Lib Dems’ main commitments when getting elected was to declare a Climate Emergency at Worcestershire County Council, just like we did at Bromsgrove District Council when we were elected two years ago.
“I am disappointed by the Conservatives only promising to become carbon neutral by 2050 but the fight goes on to do it sooner.”
Coun Tony Miller, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “We’ve agreed to join a number of partners and local authorities in declaring a climate emergency.
“This amendment agreed at council will allow us to build on the great progress we have made in recent years in addressing climate change and reducing the council’s emissions.
“Our Net Zero Carbon Plan outlines our commitment to reducing the council’s carbon emissions across a number of scopes, including emissions from waste disposal, council buildings, street lighting and through partnership working with contractors.
“Our Zero Carbon and Sustainability Board is leading the way and is identifying funding options for investment in renewable energy on the council’s estate, and energy efficiency improvements in our building stock and street lighting assets.”
The council’s first Net Zero Carbon Plan was approved towards the end of 2020 and sets out how the Council aims to reach its targets in this area.
To date, the council has reduced its GHG emissions by 40 per cent since 2009/10.
Click here to view the plan online.
