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Bristol’s Green Councillors have today launched a new report outlining the action needed for Bristol to meet its new commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2030. In November, Bristol’s Councillors from all parties supported a Green Party motion to announce a climate emergency and pledge to make Bristol carbon neutral by 2030, the most ambitious target of all UK core cities. Bristol’s Mayor was tasked with developing an action plan within six months to respond to the emergency, and the new Green report outlines the first steps Bristol City Council needs to take to develop meaningful action.
Bristol’s climate pledge follows the recent announcement from the IPCC that humanity has just 12 years to take emergency action to prevent global warming greater than 1.5°C. Sir David Attenborough called the emergency the greatest threat in thousands of years, warning that inaction will lead to the collapse of civilisation and the extinction of much of the natural world.
The leader of the Green councillor group Eleanor Combley said:
“We have just 12 years to avoid catastrophic climate change by limiting global warming to below 1.5°C. I have teenage children now, and by the time they are in their twenties, it will be too late. The scientists have done their job by telling us of the risks of floods, droughts and extreme heat and the increase in poverty, conflict and migration this will cause. Now it’s time for our politicians to respond. History will not judge inaction kindly. I’m proud that Bristol’s councillors from all parties have come together to vote for Bristol to have the most ambitious climate change targets of all the UK core cities. We now need these promises to be turned into action, and our Change Starts Now report outlines the decisive action needed.”
Green Party Mayoral candidate Sandy Hore-Ruthven said:
“Becoming carbon neutral is a real opportunity not only to reduce our environmental impact but to create jobs, improve our transport and our homes. It’s good for everyone in Bristol especially those who need the most help. Reducing emissions from transport will make it easier for everyone to get around the city. Greener homes are cheaper to run – saving the poorest much-needed money on fuel bills. Generating that energy from renewable sources creates more jobs than traditional energy generation.”
Deputy Leader of the Green Party Amelia Womack said:
“It’s great to see Bristol setting the gold standard on climate action. While the Government fails to act on the climate crisis, our communities and cities are stepping up and showing real leadership – because they know that the consequences of failing to act are immeasurable. And they are doing so despite the desperate austerity measures imposed by the Government.”
Councillor Eleanor Combley continued:
“Our Change Starts Now report showcases some of the inspiring action cities across the country and the world are taking to respond to the climate emergency, as well as the extensive work already being done across Bristol. We know Bristol has the expertise and drive to succeed in becoming carbon neutral by 2030. We now look forward to hearing the Mayor’s formal announcement of the climate emergency and his endorsement of the 2030 commitment, followed by an implementation plan due in May.”
Full report here>>
Image: Dean Shim