LOCAL ENERGY GROUP URGES BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL TO DECLARE ‘CLIMATE EMERGENCY’ and ADOPT AN ‘ACTION PLAN’
June 25 2019,
Climate Emergency
Increasing numbers of councils and government bodies across the UK have responded to the escalating urgency of the climate crisis by declaring a ‘Climate Emergency’.
Today, Bridgend Local Energy Group (B-LEG) urges Bridgend County Borough Council to do the same
Pressure on governments is increasing. In May 2019, the Senedd took the decision to declare a Climate Emergency in Wales, adding to the growing list of towns and cities internationally.
Some councils have specifically stated they want their authority to be carbon neutral by 2030. (Machynlleth was the first in Wales https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-46961053)
A ‘Climate Emergency Declaration’ and supporting action plan would show that BCBC is committed to adopting strategies, policies and procurement processes fit for the future.
B-LEG member, Kris Evans said, “By adopting a Climate Emergency Declaration, BCBC would join other pioneering councils in leading the way.
“We simply cannot afford to hand this problem down to our children. By then it will be too late.”
Supporting the B-LEG group, Sustainable Wales Trustee, Peter Morgan commented: “People from all walks of life, especially the young, are waking up to the disturbing immediacy of the climate emergency, and of the urgent need for action.
Director Sustainable Wales, Margaret Minhinnick added: “Are we planning for a realistic future, one that must be carbon-neutral, renewable and sustainable? Or are we still living in the past, and planning for a carbon-based, consumerist and high waste economy?”
Download the full document Climate Change Declaration
NOTES TO EDITORS
Page 4 of the document enclosed suggests what a Climate Emergency declaration might look like.
The Bridgend Local Energy Group was established by the charity https://www.sustainablewales.org.uk/ to explore options for developing local, community-based low carbon energy initiatives. This occurred with the support of RENEW Wales after a series of engagement activities in 2017 stimulating awareness and highlighted by Sustainable Wales’ production Shine a Light? campaign, https://www.sustainablewales.org.uk/shine-light.
Sustainable Wales - Cymru Gynaliadwy
Sustainable Wales - Cymru Gynaliadwy is a charity that has been based in Porthcawl and Bridgend County Borough for over twenty years. It is progressive in outlook and aims to encourage behavioural change within the community https://www.sustainablewales.org.uk/