Tag Archives: Climate Emergency

Next steps: Buckingham Town Council and the climate emergency

Posted on by
Mayor signing the mayors covenant

Cllr Mark Cole JP, Mayor of Buckingham, signing the Mayors Covenant.

After declaring a climate emergency on the 15th July, Mayor Cllr Mark Cole JP has signed the Covenant of Mayors for climate and energy. The next step for Buckingham Town Council will be to find out more about where the Town Council is now and what changes can be made. We will be drafting a climate action plan during the autumn.

The signed covenant sets out a step-by-step approach to how local authorities can assess their current emissions, the risks of climate change and create a sustainable energy and climate actions plan within two years.

Buckingham Town Council principally commits to:Logo for the Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy Europe

  • Reducing CO2 (and possibly other greenhouse gas) emissions on its territory by at least 40% by 2030, namely through improved energy efficiency and greater use of renewable energy sources;
  • Increasing its resilience by adapting to the impacts of climate change.

 

Buckingham Town Council declares climate emergency

Posted on by

Buckingham Town Council has declared a Climate Emergency. The Council made the decision at its meeting Monday 15th July.

Councillor Ruth Newell

Councillor Ruth Newell

It is now clear that the world has less than 12 years to switch away from fossil fuels to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. In response to a motion proposed by Councillor Ruth Newell and seconded by Councillor Robin Stuchbury, Buckingham Town Councillors discussed what they could do to draw attention to the issue, and to take action now to begin to work towards the Town Council being carbon neutral by 2030.

The Town Council also agreed to sign up to the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy to track Buckingham’s progress and link with towns around the world who are cutting emissions.

The Town Council also agreed to a second motion, supporting the need for a Climate Change Action Plan for Buckingham Town, which will be the first step towards taking some concerted actions to reduce and move towards a Net Zero Carbon Footprint for the town.

Councillor Ruth Newell, Chair of the Council’s Environment Committee, said,

“I’m really pleased that Buckingham Town Council is taking the lead in recognising that we need to take actions locally to address climate change. We look forward to working with local groups, as well as reviewing our own operations to take immediate action, and also to plan for longer term changes, such as the vehicles we use. There are so many no-cost and low-cost options available that when combined with the funding available to community and other organisations we can start to play an increased role in combating climate change.”