Climate change consultation in North Ayrshire after Council declares emergency

A climate change consultation is to be held in North Ayrshire after the Council declared it an emergency.

It follows growing concerns and weeks of protests across the country by campaigners claiming current targets and actions proposed by countries are insufficient and won’t limit any rise in global temperatures.

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, Cabinet Member for Place, said: “By declaring a Climate Change Emergency we are acknowledging just how serious a situation we are currently in.

“The United Nations estimates that we have just 11 years remaining before climate change becomes irreversible, and we cannot afford to sit back and let that happen.

“While we have worked hard to reduce North Ayrshire’s carbon footprint, there is more to be done and raising awareness is a crucial part of that.

“Our young people are more engaged than ever when it comes to environmental issues, and I look forward to hearing their views and opinions on what further steps we could take.”

North Ayrshire Council has already taken a number of steps tackle climate change, with its first Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy (ESCCS) published in 2014 and updated in 2017.

The ESCCS included a goal to achieve a 40% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, a target the local authority is already on track to meet.

The Council has also delivered almost 10MW of installed renewable or low-carbon energy generation through a solar retrofit programme, biomass retrofit programme and landfill gas recovery schemes, as well as replacing over 60% of street lighting across North Ayrshire with more energy efficient LED lighting.

A car club scheme was also introduced to reduce emissions associated with staff business travel through the provision of low and zero carbon vehicles, and support has also been given to primary schools through the Primary School Energy Challenge, reducing energy consumption by 270 MWh and encouraging low carbon behaviours.

It is proposed that the consultation, entitled ‘Climate Change: Just Cool It’, will be launched online in August of this year and promoted in early years centres, primary and secondary schools and further education establishments across North Ayrshire, as well as by schools, Youth Services, MSYPs, Community Councils and Locality Partnerships.

Feedback will then be collated, reviewed and used to inform preparation of the third ESCSS for consideration in 2020