Renfrewshire Council has became the sixth local authority in Scotland to declare a climate emergency.
Today’s full council saw unanimous support for climate emergency motions agreeing that there is an environment and climate emergency. SNP Councillors Adam-McGregor and Cllr Don proposed a motion seeking to establish a cross party working group to examine ways that Renfrewshire Council could reduce it’s carbon footprint.
Renfrewshire Council have already exceeded targets set out in their 2014/15-2019 Carbon Management Plan but with a new Carbon Management Plan being developed for 2020 for the council and it’s assets, councillors are hoping to be more ambitious.
Cllr Adam-McGregor, Paisley Northeast and Ralston told Renfrewshire News: “I am delighted that we received cross party support today for our Climate Emergency motion. Climate change is a global issue that demands collaborative action. We are have our part to play, Government, Council’s, Individuals, Communities, Businesses & Other Organisation. It’s not to late to turn things around. This motion will help to empower the council to plan the necessary steps that we must take to protect the future generation. I look forward to working with the steering group to help secure Renfrewshire being carbon neutral by 2030.”
Councillor Natalie Don, Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank, added: “I am glad that as a council, we are taking action on this. Renfrewshire Council already have ambitious targets in relation to carbon reduction but we can always go further.”
“Climate change is a matter for us all and we all have a part to play. For too long has the climate change issue been overlooked and I am so proud and thankful to the many young people and other campaigners and activists who have brought this back to the forefront of discussion in 2019. “
“While the role for this council is limited, it is extremely important. By establishing a cross party working group, we will be able to treat this issue with the respect that it deserves.”