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Council declares Climate Emergency and commits to plastic free borough

25th July 2019

At its meeting on 23rd July, the Council approved two motions to help tackle Climate Change.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Caroline Reeves, says: “Climate Change affects everything and everybody who lives, works in or visits our borough. We need to take immediate action, leading by example in the decisions we make and the support we give to residents, organisations and initiatives that can have a real positive impact. It’s the most pressing challenge we all face, and future generations are depending on us to take responsibility now.”

Councillors agreed a motion to declare a Climate Emergency, along with urgent actions, including to reach a target goal of net zero emissions by 2030, working with partners towards a carbon-free borough and establishing a local Climate Change Partnership.

The Council also committed to work towards a plastic free borough by reducing all single-use plastics to minimal medical or other essential uses. As well as continued support of the Surrey Environment Partnership’s Single-use Plastics Strategy, the Council’s Place-making and Innovation EAB will investigate and work on ways we can support and encourage wider plastic free initiatives.

Cllr Reeves adds: “Supporting national and local campaigns, such as Plastic Free Guildford, and providing local drinking water fountains are just some of the ways we can work with partners and communities to tackle this top priority. We are committed to making a difference and know it will take time to realise our ambitions, but we cannot wait. We need to do all we can and plan ahead for a better outcome for everyone.”

Please visit our website for more details and to watch an online webcast of the meeting www.guildford.gov.uk/council