West Berkshire Council

That the Council approve the following enhancements to the original climate emergencydeclaration: The ecological emergency is recognised through the new declaration being a‘climate and ecological emergency’. Changing the language used in the declaration from ‘carbon neutral’ to ‘net zero’to bring us in line with Government and business terminology. Clarification of targets within the declaration with the following being theCouncil’s focus in relation to reducing emissions:Achieving net zero by 2030 for the Council’s operations and activities.Facilitating, influencing, promoting and encouraging a reduction inemissions across West Berkshire to enable net zero to be achieved as soonas practicable for the District.The proposed new wording for the declaration and recommended actionsrelating to the ecological emergency are included in section 8 of this report. The Council notes that:1. All levels of government (national, regional, and local) have a responsibility to limitthe negative impacts of climate breakdown. It is important for the residents of WestBerkshire and the UK that we commit to working towards Net Zero as quickly aspossible.2. The consequences of global temperature rising above 1.5°C are so severe thatpreventing this from happening must be of utmost urgency.3. The current rate of habitat degradation and loss of biodiversity within WestBerkshire and the UK is likely to be having a detrimental impact and needs to beprevented.4. Bold climate and ecological action can deliver social and economic benefits interms of new jobs, economic savings, and improved health and wellbeing but willalso require changes in individuals’ lifestyles and have a cost implication to boththe individual and the state.West Berkshire Council therefore: Declares a Climate and Ecological Emergency Will take action to reduce emissions from its operations and activities in order toachieve Net Zero by 2030 Will continue to revise and deliver on our strategic plan for West Berkshire thataims to facilitate and influence the achievement of Net Zero for the District as soonas practicable. Will ensure the ecological emergency is highlighted alongside our climate action tomaximise benefits. Calls on HM Government to provide the Council with the powers and resources tomake the achievement of our Climate and Ecological targets possible. Will work with other authorities and external stakeholders and residents todetermine and implement where practicable to best practice methods to limit globalwarming to less than 1.5°C and to act for nature to protect the environment withinWest Berkshire and beyond.

— Full Council (Source)