New group looks to tackle climate change

The inaugural meeting of a new group set up with the remit of developing an action plan to fight the devastating effects of climate change took place on Thursday February 21 at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre.

Formed after Lancaster City Council declared a climate change emergency, the group comprises councillors, representatives of Lancaster University and concerned members of the public.

It will meet regularly to develop ideas for implementing targets set out in a motion recently agreed by councillors, including how the council’s activities might be made net-zero carbon by 2030.

Other actions that could be recommended will include increasing the efficiency of buildings, building solar and other renewable energy generating and storage plants, replacing the vehicle fleet with electric and/or hydrogen powered vehicles and switching to 100% fossil-fuel-free energy.

The group will also seek expert testimony from those in specialist fields such as transport to develop the action plan, which on adoption will guide all areas of the council’s activities.

Coun Darren Clifford, Cabinet member with responsibility for tackling climate change, said: “Without a doubt climate change is one of the most serious issues faced by the world today and it is vital that we take action and make our own contribution to tackling the problem.

“As we saw by the unanimous agreement at Full Council to designate a climate change emergency, this is something on which we all agree and crosses political boundaries.

“The scale of what we have been asked to do should not be underestimated and it will take a concerted effort to be zero carbon by 2030, but failing to take action now will lead to devastating consequences in the future.

“We will not be able to do this alone and that’s why we’ve brought together a group of people from different disciplines, to ensure a broad range of experience and expertise.”

Last updated: 27 February 2019