Decision details

This report seeks authorisation to pursue three lines of action to address climate change: establishing a climate change unit; developing a ‘zero carbon strategy’ for reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2030; and launching an independent, resident-led commission on climate change.

Reasons for urgency:

Urgent decision is needed to expedite the council's intentions to address climate change and biodiversity loss, as expressed in the 'climate emergency' special motion tabled for Full Council on 17th July 2019. Urgency is required in recognition of the need for swift action entailed in the declaration of this emergency.

1.    That the council adopt a target to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2030 and undertakes a full carbon audit to inform our activities and strategy.

2.     That the council establish a dedicated corporate Climate Change Unit tasked with developing and enacting policies to achieve this target including undertaking a full carbon audit.

3.     That the council launch an independent commission on climate change, drawing on local and expert knowledge to develop boroughwide action to reduce net carbon emissions.

4.     Following this that the council develop a ‘zero carbon strategy’ outlining its route to net zero emissions by 2030.

H&F recognises the current trends in global heating as a ‘climate emergency'. The proposed recommendations allow the council to pursue a course to mitigate the causes and effects of this crisis with the requisite pace and vigour.

A ‘do nothing’ option is not considered viable given the nature of the climate emergency. Insufficient coordinated action to date at national and local levels has seen per capita carbon emissions in the UK gradually decrease in recent years, but at a rate that, if continued, would fall far short of H&F’s 2030 net zero target and the level needed to avoid catastrophic climate change.