Agenda item

To consider the following Notice of Motion, submitted by Councillor David Skipp in accordance with Rule 4a.26 of the Council’s Constitution:

We agree that in the face of recent dire warnings from the World Scientific community concerning global warming, the loss of millions of insects and animal species and rampant deforestation, we are facing a climate emergency.

We propose therefore that this Council develops and implements a plan for the use of renewable technologies, sustainable transport options, zero carbon building, and for waste reduction and enhanced recycling within the District, working towards a net zero carbon target.

We acknowledge that there will need to be public engagement and involvement, and resources will be required to underpin and support the long-term requirements of this far reaching proposal.

The following Motion, of which notice had been given in accordance with Rule 4a.26 of the Council’s Constitution, was moved by Councillor David Skipp and seconded by Councillor Michael Croker in accordance with Rule 4a.26 of the Council’s Constitution:

“We agree that in the face of recent dire warnings from the World Scientific community concerning global warming, the loss of millions of insects and animal species and rampant deforestation, we are facing a climate emergency.

We propose therefore that this Council develops and implements a plan for the use of renewable technologies, sustainable transport options, zero carbon building, and for waste reduction and enhanced recycling within the District, working towards a net zero carbon target.

We acknowledge that there will need to be public engagement and involvement, and resources will be required to underpin and support the long-term requirements of this far reaching proposal”.

An amended motion was proposed by Councillor Philip Circus and seconded by Councillor Jonathan Chowen

We agree that there is growing public concern in the face of recent dire warnings from the World Scientific community that we are facing a wide range of environmental issues including a climate emergency. These concerns include matters such as pollution of the oceans, climate change, single-use plastics, disposal of waste, air pollution, deforestation and biodiversity loss and we support action to tackle these matters.

This council has an excellent record of dealing with environmental matters, particularly in the area of waste, recycling and biodiversity and we shall be developing and auditing the council’s activities to see what further practical changes we can implement to reflect best environmental practice and work towards a net zero carbon target.

We acknowledge that we shall need to continue with public engagement and involvement and that resources will be required to underpin and support new initiatives that we undertake".

There was a comprehensive debate of the motion.  The discussion ranged from national climate change targets to local initiatives that could be undertaken under the aegis of Horsham District Council, such as recyclable waste and food waste.   A proposal for a year of green action was discussed, and the Leader said that a possible way forward for this initiative would be to consider it through the Environment, Recycling and Waste Policy Development Advisory Group.Members called for a clear set of measureable objectives as part of this amended motion.  The Amended Motion was carried.

It was agreed that the amended motion be further amended to read:

“We agree that there is growing public concern in the face of recent dire warnings from the World Scientific community that we are facing a wide range of environmental issues including a climate emergency. These concerns include matters such as pollution of the oceans, climate change, single-use plastics, disposal of waste, air pollution, deforestation and biodiversity loss and we support action to tackle these matters.

This council has an excellent record of dealing with environmental matters, particularly in the area of waste, recycling and biodiversity and we shall be developing and auditing the council’s activities to see what further practical changes we can implement in the form of a plan to reflect best environmental practice and work towards a net zero carbon target.

We acknowledge that we shall need to continue with public engagement and involvement and that resources will be required to underpin and support new initiatives that we undertake".

The amendment to the amended motion was seconded by Councillor Chowen. Following a vote, it was declared that the amended amendment was carried.