Issue - meetings

Cabinet is asked to agree the recommendation to adopt the Climate Change Strategy 2020-2030 as attached at Appendix A.

Following consideration of the report, the Cabinet resolved:

To adopt the Climate Change Strategy 2020-2030.

The call-in deadline is 30 July 2020.

26.1   Cabinet considered a report by the Executive Director of Place Services and the Director of Environment and Public Protection.

26.2   The report was introduced by Cllr Deborah Urquhart, Cabinet Member for Environment and set out an ambition for carbon neutrality by 2030, climate resilience and effective use of natural resources.

26.3   Cllr Andrew Barrett-Miles, Chairman of the Environment and Communities Scrutiny Committee advised of the Committee’s support for the strategy noting that it would increase the resilience of the county to climate change effects. He welcomed the role of the climate change board.

26.4   Cllr Dr James Walsh, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, welcomed the strategy. He asked when the LED changeover for streetlighting would be complete. He felt that joint action should be taken with coastal district and borough councils to tackle the issue of flooding and rising sea levels.

26.5   Cllr Michael Jones, Leader of the Labour Group, supported the strategy. He praised the work of the Climate Change Board and agreed a consistent approach across the county was required.

26.6   Cabinet Members welcomed the Climate Change Strategy, agreeing it to be creative and innovative, offering an opportunity for the authority to lead by example in influencing partners and stakeholders. The role of highways and transport was considered as was the improved air quality brought by the pandemic. Covid-19 had provided an impetus to transform the way people work, further reducing the need for travel. 

26.7   Resolved – that Cabinet adopts the Climate Change Strategy 2020-2030.