Response to the proposed “Undeclaration of Climate Emergency”
“Undeclaring” the climate emergency will do nothing to help the people of Kirklees.
In January 2019, Kirklees Council declared a climate emergency on the basis that we must all take urgent action to improve and protect our environment. This was intended to provide Kirklees with a focus on both mitigation and adaptation to climate change, in line with the overwhelming evidence for global heating.
Reform councillors have now proposed a motion “as to Undeclaration of Climate Emergency”, for debate on Wendesday 21 October. The full motion can be read on the Agenda for Council.
The Kirklees Climate Commission applied for a deputation to speak at this meeting, to address the flawed assumptions of the motion. This application was refused.
Our submitted statement was as follows:
The Kirklees Climate Commission is happy to support the integrated approach founded on four principles, as detailed in tonight’s Motion. The application of these principles is broadly similar to our own objectives and priorities as an independent voice for local action.
We seek to advocate for and support the health and wellbeing of all Kirklees residents, businesses and communities. Our primary purpose is to work with local partners to deliver affordable living, local economic development, reliable infrastructure and a quality environment, now and into the future.
However, the cancellation of the 2019 Climate Emergency Declaration, and the subsequent programme actions, will do nothing to advance those four principles. The proposed Motion before us tonight will only delay or damage the achievement of a safe, affordable and value-for-money Kirklees.
In particular, tonight’s Motion will do nothing to reduce costs for Kirklees taxpayers, as most of the upfront costs of responding to a changing climate are borne by organisations outside the Council. Also, most actions under the current Climate Change Action Plan will result in lasting savings as well as improvements in environmental quality for the benefit of all.
An essential feature of the Council’s current plan is that its actions will help us all become more resilient to climate risks. Its measures will help protect our communities from flooding, extreme heat, wildfires and crop failures, as well as reducing energy costs and the overall cost of living.
The overwhelming scientific and economic evidence demonstrates the severe and universal impact of climate change. In the longer term, a failure to mitigate the risks and adapt to changing circumstances will create additional costs, increased ill health, and the failure of essential infrastructure and services.
It is clear that cancelling the existing Climate Emergency Declaration and current policies will involve a significant amount of additional work for the Council, its officers and partners. We would strongly advise that the Council commissions an independent analysis of the costs and benefits of rescinding the Declaration and its subsequent actions, before it is rescinded. A consideration of tonight’s Motion should be postponed until this analysis has been carried out.
A detailed and independent cost-benefit analysis, based on the scientific and economic evidence, is essential to safeguard the four principles of the Council’s integrated approach. The Kirklees Climate Commission would be happy to assist in this process.
