Rugby Lib Dems call for action on climate emergency

Liberal Democrats in Rugby are adding their voices to growing calls for action to tackle the climate emergency.

They have submitted a notice of motion, due to be debated and voted on at a forthcoming Rugby Borough Council meeting on Thursday 18 July 2019.

The motion proposes that the authority declares a climate emergency as a pledge to take local action to contribute to national carbon neutral targets through the development of their own practices and policies.

The motion also calls on Rugby Borough Council to:

• Convene a working group to consult with officers, representatives of local environmental groups, residents and businesses, that will report to Cabinet and Council within 6 months on the actions and targets needed to achieve reductions;
• work with our residents, partner organisations and environmental groups to invite their input on how to raise awareness and achieve behavioural change;
• develop a communication strategy to convey to the community the severity of the situation, and the ways people and businesses can take independent action to cut greenhouse gas emissions;
• where required, call on Westminster to provide the powers and resources needed.

Commenting, Councillor Noreen New (Paddox Ward) said:

"Climate change is the most pressing issue facing us today and local government has a leading role to play in tackling the issue. It is vital that we work together to reduce emissions and make the transition to a low-carbon society.

"60 councils across the UK have declared a climate emergency, as well as the UK Parliament. They have committed to take radical action to combat climate change. Rugby Borough Council must take urgent action to limit global warming."

The Labour Group has also tabled a motion on climate change - we have worked with the Labour Group on combining the two motions. We feel that it is vital the whole Council speaks with one voice on this issue.