Broadland District Council votes to support Climate and Ecology Bill

Broadland District Council Cabinet member, Cllr Jan Davis said:

“Human activity is causing irreversible climate change. The average global temperature has already increased by 1.2°C above pre-industrial levels and is rising. “The natural world has reached crisis point, with many plants and animals threatened with extinction. The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. The Climate and Ecology (CE) Bill is a private member’s bill currently before the House of Commons which aims to align current UK environmental policy with the need to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030. “The Bill also aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the UK’s share of the remaining global carbon budget to give the strongest chance of limiting global heating to 1.5°C. “The Bill is currently backed by 133 cross-party MPs and Peers, and 330 local councils. It has the support of nearly 200 eminent scientists; NGOs; businesses; and many members of the public. “The CE Bill would require the UK Government to develop a new environmental strategy which would include delivering a joined-up environmental plan that considers the deeply intertwined crises of climate and nature.”

Broadland District Council Leader, Sue Holland, also spoke in support of the motion:

"This is a cross-party bill we support to encourage any future government to ensure the public estate has the right support, plans and strategies in place to address climate impacts and biodiversity loss. Funding to support local authorities is crucial if the public estate is to achieve net zero and curb biodiversity loss. What we need is action from the government not just words if we are to achieve this."

The Council also voted to write to local MPs to inform them that the motion had been passed and urge them to sign up to support the CE Bill or thank them for already doing so. It was also agreed to write to the organisers of the cross-party campaign for the CE Bill, expressing Broadland District Council’s support.