Minutes

Councillor C. Evans asked:

As we all know people like you and I have already caused irreversible climate change to our planet the impacts of which are being felt around the world and here in Newport.

Global temperatures have already increased by 1 degree Celsius from pre-industrial levels. Atmospheric CO2 levels are above 400 parts per million (ppm). This far exceeds the 350 ppm deemed to be a safe level for humanity;

Society needs to change its laws, taxation, infrastructure, etc., to make low carbon living easier and the new norm.

Unfortunately, our current plans and actions in Newport are not enough, smaller bins and removing plastic cups from the members room will do little to help.

Will your administration bring before scrutiny, within 2 months, a full climate change strategy for consideration it’s concerning I can’t find one easily on the Newport City Council website, will you then within 4 months, bring the climate change strategy before full Council for debate?

Link to a good climate change strategy for another council that may help you understand further what one is:

https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/media/3230/climate_change_strategy_2016-21.pdf

The Leader responded:

The commitment of this Administration to address issues of climate change are already firmly embedded in the Corporate Plan and the Council’s well-being objectives. A considerable amount of work is already underway to develop a range of strategies and initiatives to tackle the problem.

Greenhouse gas emissions are mainly generated by transport, industry, power, domestic and agriculture sources. Newport City Council has developed a sustainable travel strategy that is currently out for public consultation. The strategy is designed to guide the city to a low pollution, sustainable travel network. This will combat not only climate change, but road traffic noise and air quality. The draft policy can be accessed at:

http://www.newport.gov.uk/en/Transport-Streets/Sustainable-travel.aspx

With regards to mitigating the Council's own (direct) impact on the climate, we have an ongoing programme of carbon reduction activities and projects. Our long term approach will be published in our first Carbon Management Plan which is currently in review. The Council also procure 100% renewable electricity and are exploring further renewable energy options.

Being a coastal city Newport’s infrastructure will be at risk from sea level rise and numerous other consequences from climate change. The success or failure of efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions will determine the severity of the ‘change’. Some actions are already being taken in the way of flood defences and planning, however it is agreed that more work is required to understand the impact upon the city as a whole.

Therefore, there is no necessity for a further climate change strategy or for any Scrutiny referral or Council debate on this matter.