Plea for Sunderland City Council to declare ‘climate emergency’ as world faces environmental threat

The United Nations has previously warned there could be just 12 years left to limit “climate change catastrophe”.

In recent months, local authorities across England have made pledges to reduce emissions and become carbon neutral.

As part of the changes, some councils have set targets or even backed plans to introduce electric car hubs or build sustainable homes.

Next week, Sunderland’s Conservative group will call on city leaders to make a similar pledge.

Their motion reads: “In recognition of the threat posed to our environment by climate change Sunderland City Council will declare a climate emergency.

“Numerous local authorities around the country have declared climate emergency and it is important for the council to show it takes the issue seriously.

“Recent weather and changes in ecosystems show that we are already seeing changes as a result of climate change so it is important to join other councils in giving the issue suitable attention and clearly setting out how we will meet our targets on cutting emissions.”

Overall, the UK has a target of cutting CO2 emissions by 80% by 2050 – compared to 1990 levels.

And Sunderland City Council’s own Carbon Plan  2017-2020 already sets out plans to reduce the city’s carbon emissions by 34% by 2020.

A statement on the council’s website adds the the plan includes “physical projects and programme of behavioural change”.

In action, it aims to “challenge every member of staff” to reduce carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions.

Councillors will debate the ‘climate emergency’ motion at full council on Wednesday, March 27.

The meeting starts at 6pm at Sunderland Civic Centre and  is open to the public.

Chris Binding , Local Democracy Reporting Service