Updated: Calls for Wrexham Council to declare “climate and ecological emergency”

Calls have been made for Wrexham Council to declare a “climate and ecological emergency”.

A notice of motion has submitted for debate ahead of Wednesday’s full council meeting.

It has been signed by three of Caia Park’s councillors, Ronnie Prince, Carrie Harper and Adrienne Jeorette.

A similar climate emergency was declared by the Welsh Government earlier this year, however it is the first time that calls for Wrexham Council to do similar have been formally submitted for debate.

The motion signed by the three councillors, reads: “The global consensus is that climate change is causing a significant risk to our health, economy, and environment and is threatening the wellbeing of future generations.

“Scientific evidence clearly tells us that we don’t have more than 11 years to prevent catastrophic climate change. Furthermore, we are now living during the sixth great extinction event and it is caused by us, humans.

“We live in one of the most de-natured countries on the most de-natured continent on earth, this is not an acceptable legacy to leave for future generations.

“Only a program of re-wilding can help restore the balance. The future of mankind depends on today’s brave and enterprising leaders to make the necessary changes to secure our environment, our future and the generations yet to come.”

Seven objectives are also featured within the motion, including Wrexham Council to declare a climate and ecological emergency and to commit to making the county borough a net carbon free zone by 2030.

Wrexham Council is also asked to:

– Develop a clear plan to become a carbon free authority by May 2020.
– Within 6 months develop an S6 plan to enhance biodiversity in Wrexham, in line with the requirements of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 .
– Call on the Welsh Government and UK Government to provide assistance and resources to enable us to reduce GHG emissions and re-wild our countryside.
– Work with partners across the public sector to help solve this climate and ecological emergency.
– Cooperate with experts from and the third sector to develop innovative answers so that we can achieve the target of being a net carbon free authority

In July Wrexham Council was questioned by resident Jackie Knightly at the executive board over what action was being taken to reduce its carbon footprint and use of fossil fuels.

At the time it was noted that 100% of the council’s electricity supply, is derived from renewable sources – along with the installation of solar panels, LED streetlights, car charging points in several car parks and work with schools to reduce plastic usage.

Speaking at the time Cllr David A Bithell, lead member for environment and transport, said: “We are aware of the Welsh Government’s recently declared Climate Emergency in Wales which has highlighted ambitious plans to be carbon neutral by 2030.

“Looking to the future, I am pleased to confirm that following a decision at our June Council meeting, we recently approved the development of a Decarbonisation Action Plan, within 12 months which documents our work and actions and the supports the Welsh Government’s Commitment on Climate change.”

Cllr Bithell has been in touch this morning about this motion going before full council next week, to say: “The council have already put into place and developing an action plan agreed at full council in May. We are also aware of “Global Climate Strike” taking place today across the world including Wrexham.

“The council’s will consider all the points raised in the motion and how this motion can positively align with the councils current work programme.”

The notice of motion will be debated at the full council meeting at 4pm on Wednesday 25th September. The meeting will also be webcast live on the Wrexham Council website.