Horsham District Council

"This Council declares a Climate and Ecological Emergency, based on the International Panel on Climate Change's AR6 Synthesis Report of March 2023 which states that humanity is in the midst of a crisis entirely of its own making. This crisis has already resulted in a global surface temperature rise of 1.1ºC, affecting many weather and climate extremes in every region across the globe, leading to widespread adverse impacts and related losses, including damage to nature and people.We welcome the recent statement on the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis from our new council leader that “taking real action to combat these will not only be an immediate priority but will also be an ever-present consideration in all that we do throughout this term and beyond”.In response to this rallying call, this Council accepts the inadequacy of the climate related motion it passed in June 2019 and, leading by example, will significantly increase the rate of carbon reduction associated with its own corporate plan to achieve carbon neutrality for its direct emissions by 2030 and indirect emissions by 2050.Recognising the delay that has already occurred in encouraging meaningful carbon reductions across the District (to achieve District-wide Carbon Net Zero by 2050), this Council wishes to see the draft Climate Action Strategy (approved by Cabinet on 24 March 2023) subjected to meaningful community engagement forthwith, along with the rapid development of an appropriate and proportionate action plan to engage, activate and support residents in this joint quest."

— Council (Source)