Havant Borough Council declares climate emergency
A climate emergency has been
declared by Havant Borough Council during a meeting held of
the Full Council on Wednesday 20 November.
Councillors agreed to a motion that
commits the council to do everything within its power to
take the steps to become a greener borough.
The need for urgent and
transformative action has been identified as a priority
following a shift in the political balance of the council
following the election earlier this year when members of the
Labour Party, Liberal Democrat Party and Green Party formed
an alliance to take on a new political leadership.
Proposer of the motion, Councillor
Grainne Rason, who is Cabinet Lead for Climate Emergency,
Environment and Water Quality, said “The risk from extreme
weather events, that may have an impact on our residents,
businesses, and the environment, is escalating.
“We recognise the urgent threat of
climate change to the borough, particularly due to its 56 km
coastline, making many areas vulnerable to rising sea levels
and flooding.
This council has a responsibility to demonstrate leadership
within our own estate and in our messaging to residents.”
Both the UK Government and
Hampshire County Council declared a climate emergency that
aims for net-zero emissions by 2050.
Havant Borough Council will also
aim to achieve this through future policies, strategies, and
action plans supporting a fair and just transition to a
green economy, promoting green jobs, sustainable business
practices, and workforce training.
The council will also support the efforts of others
in their efforts to become net-zero.
What is Net Zero?
Net Zero is cutting our greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions as close to zero as possible. This means
reducing our emissions to avoid adding to the amount of
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Not all emissions can be
reduced to zero, so any that remain can be offset by
removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Examples of
ways to do this include planting trees, renewable energy
generation and by trading in carbon units.
Havant Borough Council 21st November
Page updated:
Monday February 03, 2025