Floods like this one at Tean in the Staffordshire Moorlands could become more common

Declaration pledges action on climate change

A major initiative, which aims to bring together local organisations and community groups to tackle climate change, has been given the go ahead.

The County Council's Cabinet approved the Staffordshire Declaration - a manifesto for action which will help protect future generations.

The move follows a widespread public consultation on the issue which showed that "Staffordshire people spontaneously place climate change among the top four issues facing the world today - the others being terrorism, war/violence and drugs."

The public also said they thought the County Council should take a lead in tackling the problem at a local level in Staffordshire.

Last year the Cabinet approved plans to slash climate affecting gas emissions from County buildings, vehicles and other operations by 60% by 2050. This starts with a cut of 2% every year for the next decade.

But putting its own house in order is just a start - the Staffordshire Declaration will set out an action programme of commitments which organisations across the county can sign up to.

The Declaration commits signatories to:

Meet international commitments to reduce carbon dioxide emissions at a local level
Work together in local and regional networks to take action
Over the next 2 years develop a Climate Change Action Plan
Significantly reduce climate change gas emissions through more efficient and targeted energy use, travel, waste and purchasing
Plan to adapt service delivery to meet the climate change challenge
Encourage other partners and the public to get involved
Help local communities develop their own renewable energy projects
Site targets, monitor and publish results to ensure accountability.

Staffordshire County Council Leader Terry Dix said the Declaration was a great way to stand up and be counted.

"If we don't take the initiative now and work together to limit the damage to the planet and the life support systems we all depend on, then future generations will quite rightly wonder why we were so stupid.

"Staffordshire County Council is committed to ensuring that history books in the 22^nd Century don't have a chapter on how a generation stuck their heads in the sand.

"We will be calling on all our partner to join us in making this commitment to the responsible management of our natural wealth and the stewardship of Staffordshire for the future. Our children and grandchildren will pass judgement on our achievements. What do we want to be remembered for?" he said.

Councillor Erica Bayliss, chair of the member working group on Climate Change added: "I am delighted that cabinet have accepted the recommendations and fully support the work we proposing to do to combat the effects of Climate Change. The County Council is committed to doing all we can to ensure that this issue is tackled head on in Staffordshire."

Page Last Modified: 30/01/2007 16:03:28

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