Issue - meetings

Councillor R. Ritter will move and Councillor H. Brown will second the attached Motion concerning Declaring a Climate Emergency.

Councillor R. Ritter moved and Councillor H. Brown seconded a Motion, concerning Declaring a Climate Emergency.

The Council was informed that in the opinion of the Mayor the Motion, set out at item 10 on the agenda, was convenient and conducive to the conduct of the business. It was also noted that:

-       The Motion would be dealt with in accordance with a procedure note that had been prepared and circulated to all Members (prior to the meeting) in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.17.3.

-       On conclusion of the discussion the Motion would be referred to the Executive for consideration.

A range of issues were highlighted, including a Motion in relation to Climate Change that was considered by Council in February 2019. It was noted that this had been referred to the Executive in March 2019 and that the Council’s draft Corporate Plan 2020-2025 had been updated to include a new cross cutting commitment, covering environmental sustainability. During the discussion various matters were considered, including: 

-       A Motion that was passed in relation to Climate Change by Surrey County Council in July 2019. 

-       The fact that the impacts of climate change were both global in scope and unprecedented in scale.

-       The urgent need to reduce waste and emissions, the importance of using natural resources more efficiently and the need to review plans in relation to carbon management.

-       The action being taken by other local authorities, including those who had declared a Climate Emergency. 

-       The work that had already been undertaken by Officers, drawing on external expertise, to develop a detailed Environmental Sustainability Strategy. It was noted that this would consider the Council’s own activities and how greater support could be provided to allow residents and businesses to do more. It was noted that a cross-party Member Working Group would be established to support work in this area.            

-       The need to provide all Members with appropriate learning and development opportunities to ensure a better understanding of the subject.

-       The resources required to fund local action, including both revenue and capital costs.

-       The importance of resident engagement, including input from young people, and the need to promote local community initiatives.

-       Options for increasing the number of charging points for electric cars across the borough.

-       Concerns about oil drilling at the Horse Hill site near Horley. 

The impact of environmental pressure group Extinction Rebellion was also highlighted. It was noted that this was a socio-political movement who had used civil disobedience and nonviolent resistance to protest against climate breakdown, biodiversity loss, and the risk of social and ecological collapse.

RESOLVED that it be noted that the Motion on Declaring a Climate Emergency, set out at item 10 on the agenda, be referred to the Executive for consideration.