Decision details

Notice of Motion: To support the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill

Decision Maker: Lead Member for Resources and Climate Change

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

To consider a report on the Notice of Motion that the Council supports the Climate and Ecological Emergency (CEE) Bill and make a recommendation to Full Council.

Decisions:

32.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport, together with an additional submission prepared by Councillors Taylor and Maples, the proposer and seconder of the Motion.  The additional submission is contained in the Minute Book.

 

DECISIONS

 

32.2     The Lead Member RESOLVED to (1) recommend to Full Council that the Notice of Motion be supported; and

 

(2) provide the national and local context on climate emergency and environmental protection work already undertaken by the County Council, . 

 

Reasons

 

32.3     The urgency of addressing climate change is undisputed. Climate change impacts are linked to and likely to worsen existing inequalities, particularly related to gender and income. The UK government has set a legally binding target under the Climate Change Act to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

 

32.4     The County Council first produced an Environmental Strategy in 2011 and has convened an Environment Board.  The County Council recognises the urgency of addressing climate change and biodiversity loss, as reflected in its climate emergency action plan and its lead role in the Sussex Local Nature Partnership. 

 

32.5     The Lead Member commented that the Bill, although lacking operational weight, accords with the spirit of the Council’s aspirations to protect biodiversity and achieve carbon neutrality through its activities as soon as possible and in any event by 2050.

 

 

 

 

Report author: Rupert Clubb

Publication date: 17/09/2021

Date of decision: 14/09/2021

Decided at meeting: 14/09/2021 - Lead Member for Resources and Climate Change

Accompanying Documents: