Climate Emergency Statement
“Climate change is one of the most urgent global challenges facing us today.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC) report in 2018 warned that humanity has only 12 years to take emergency action in order to prevent global warming greater than 1.5°C and described the enormous harm that a 2°C rise is likely to cause compared to 1.5°C rise.
Limiting global warming to 1.5°C may still be possible with ambitious and immediate action, however it is now inevitable that we will experience greater risk to flooding, extreme weather conditions, water shortage, deterioration in air quality and heat exposure. It is therefore imperative that we prepare and take action now to mitigate against this to minimise impact and also learn to adapt to a changed climate.
Wellesbourne and Walton Parish Council declares a Climate Emergency and commits to the activities of This Council being carbon neutral by 2030. This Council also commits to working with Stratford-on-Avon Council and Warwickshire County in influencing and supporting the wider community of Wellesbourne and Walton to achieve the government’s targets of net zero emissions by 2050.
A Climate Change working group has been set up to take the lead and will develop a climate change strategy and action plan to achieve the ambitions of this declaration. Key ambitions are:
- To become a carbon neutral Council by 2030
- To become a carbon neutral community by 2050
- To work with local businesses, clubs and societies and Wellesbourne CoE Primary School to support them in becoming carbon neutral
- To prioritise local key issues, including reducing energy and water use and increasing renewable energy generation, sustainable travel, waste reduction, reuse and recycling, management of our own open spaces to protect and enhance biodiversity and other areas where we have a positive role to play.
- To lead by example and encourage further action, by others, through information, education and influence.
- To help provide the necessary resources to deliver on this carbon reduction commitment
- To establish our carbon footprint and monitor and report on our progress in meeting reduction targets.
- To encourage residents to help us explore ways that the community can make a difference and contribute towards a more sustainable, low energy, climate friendly lifestyle. The Council is keen to encourage the local community to play its part in making a difference.
Positively, this is an opportunity to create a better and sustainable future for ourselves and our children, that will enhance our community environment, local economy and health and well-being. If we ALL commit to making changes, however small, we can collectively make a huge and lasting difference to Wellesbourne and our planet’s future.”