What is a Climate Emergency and why declare one?

The United Nations says we could have just 11 years left to limit a climate change catastrophe. The consequences of global warming are happening much sooner than scientists originally thought, and taking action now is a necessity.

Declaring a Climate Emergency is an acknowledgement that we are in an emergency situation, and an attempt to convince the government and MPs to take immediate action to protect the environment.

A Climate emergency also shows that government that local authorities are ready and willing to act, but need to be provided with resources from central government in order to help reduce carbon emissions.

We were inspired to submit the motion after a group of young people from local schools in Medway protested outside of Medway Council. We spoke with them at length and their passion and genuine concern about the future of the planet convinced us to look further into what we can do as a local authority.

What happened next?

Our climate emergency motion was passed at full council and a task group has been set up to tackle climate change.

Cllr Vince Maple, Medway Labour Group Leader and Councillor for Chatham Central said, ‘There’s no doubt that Climate Change is too important to ignore so I’m pleased to see cross-party support for our motion.

‘One of the reasons I put forward this motion was because of the young people who protested outside of Medway Council to show their frustration at the lack of serious action from governments on Climate Change.

‘Not only does this motion set out a blueprint for action on Climate Change in Medway, it shows central government that we’re expecting strong action on climate; action that invigorates our local economy and helps improve the lives of people here in Medway.’

Read the full story here: Medway Labour Climate Emergency motion passed