A Green Climate Strategy has been issued by Green Party councillors to show how to address the climate emergency in Somerset.
The Greens are critical of an official strategy now being considered for adoption by councils across Somerset. They say this fails to show what will be needed to work towards carbon neutrality by 2030 and passes too much responsibility for solutions to communities and individuals.
Instead, the Greens call for greater leadership, action and urgency from Government and our councils; as well as a green recovery from Covid, with more jobs in home insulation, renewable energy, transforming transport, restoring nature, recycling and healthier lifestyles.
Mendip Green cllr Shane Collins, leader of the Green group of 10 cllrs on Mendip District Council said, “Our green strategy proposes detailed local targets and for the county and district councils to lead on projects that will make the changes needed, including: investment in local solar and wind power, more pedestrianisation, rolling out electric vehicle charging points in car parks, incentives to support public transport, cycling and walking, whole house retrofit programmes to install insulation and zero carbon heating in social and private housing, increased natural flood management, and pension funds no longer invested in fossil fuels.”
Somerset Green leader cllr Martin Dimery added, “The Somerset Climate Emergency policy is a starting point, but needs to go further. I am hoping that by establishing a working party, the policy document will be regularly updated and adjusted to incorporate a dynamic response to ever-increasing pressures on the environment.
“We also wish to see greater communication and engagement with local communities and businesses, including support for projects such as e-car clubs, share shops, repair cafes and wild flower and tree planting.”
Somerset’s Climate Emergency Strategy and a District Action Plan will be debated by Mendip District Council on 9th November.