Council Leader uncertain about the causes of climate
change
At the Council meeting
earlier today I asked the following question (below).
I was clearly disappointed in the response particularly
as the Government and the Shadow Cabinet had recently endorsed the 10/10
campaign and signed up to it: as have many other local authorities and
organisation in both private and public sectors.
I went on the ask a supplementary question particularly given
the portfolio holder's and the cabinet's reluctance to set more ambitious
targets:- "Could the portfolio holder please tell us whether he personally
accepts the fact that the current climate change and global warming are very
largely caused by the actions of human beings"
Unfortunately, the portfolio holder was unable to reply except
to say that he needed time to consider a "surprising and difficult" question and
would write to me about it next week.
"I find it alarming that he was not able to respond positively
to the question. He is the person responsible for guiding Shropshire
Council's efforts to reduce its impact on climate change and to lead the
community forward in joint efforts yet he seems uncertain about causes, and
hence, the urgency of taking responsible actions.
Given the amount of discussion, information, debate and the
virtual unanimity among scientific expertise how could he not have made himself
aware of the facts and provide clear and positive leadership."
Cllr Alan Moseley
Council Meeting
10 December 2009
COUNCIL
PROCEDURE RULE NO. 5 – QUESTIONS
AGENDA
ITEM NO. 6
QUESTION 1
MR A N MOSLEY will ask the following question:
"The Shropshire Partnership has included
“Responding to climate change……..” as
one of 3 priorities within the draft Community Strategy. It also declares an aspiration that: “Shropshire will
be recognised as a leader in responding
to climate change”. In view of this,
does the Portfolio holder think that the Council should reconsider its recent negative decision and join the nationwide
‘10/10’ campaign regarding carbon
emissions and in so doing respond to and lead the county in its endeavours? Does he now believe that
the Shropshire Council should join the
large number of councils, businesses,
voluntary organisations, political parties, educational institutions, health authorities and other public and private
groupings in pledging to exhibit real
ambition in reducing its impact on climate change?"
MR D W L
ROBERTS the Portfolio Holder for Local Environment and Economy will reply:-
The
10:10 campaign is an initiative launched in September to encourage people, businesses and organisations to reduce
their carbon footprint by 10% by the end
of next year. The aim is to raise individual and collective awareness to the problem of global
warming and secure commitments to take
positive action, particularly in weeks leading to the Copenhagen summit.
Last month plans were agreed for a clear and deliverable
Carbon Reduction Programme based around
known and costed projects over the next
12 months and 5 year project year timeframe. Through this agreement Shropshire Council is committing to reduce the
carbon
footprint of council activities
by some 35%. This agreement has been confirmed by the Government Office for the West Midlands as
being both reasonable and deliverable
given the authority's formation in April. To seek to accelerate the planned delivery in the initial stages
of our programme to meet the 10:10
pledge would have cost and logistical
implications and in reality is unlikely to be achievable.
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Radio Shropshire has been discussing Climate Change. Have your say here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/shropshire/hi/people_and_places/nature/newsid_8373000/8373697.stm
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The Campaign aims to persuade Shropshire Council to GET SERIOUS about Climate Change.
These photos show how we feel.
Hover your cursor over the picture to see the name.
