The full Havant Borough Council meeting saw cross-party agreement in declaring a climate emergency and that it was late in declaring one as other authorities had done so in 2018.
The motion means councillors agreed to commit the council to do everything within its power to take the steps to become a greener borough. It agreed to a motion to take transformative action to tackle the climate crisis.
Proposer of the motion, Councillor Grainne Rason (Green, Emsworth), cabinet lead for climate emergency, environment and water quality, said she was delighted that it had been agreed.
She said: “We recognise the urgent threat of climate change to the borough, particularly due to its 56km coastline, making many areas vulnerable to rising sea levels and flooding.”
Cllr Rason said it was important to get cross-party recognition and the word emergency “recognises and gives urgency” for the council to act and implement green policies.
The next steps are for the council to continue working on climate and biodiversity strategies and then put measures in place with partner organisations to reduce emissions.
“The government has set the council a target of 68 per cent reduction in carbon emission by 2030, it’s a tough ask but we must believe in ourselves,” said Cllr Rason.
“Even two years ago people thought it wouldn’t affect them, it would affect their grandchildren. People have become much more aware because they know it’s going to affect them.”
Cllr Elizabeth Lloyd (Independent, Stakes), seconding the motion, said she was saddened it had taken so long for the council to act.
Councillor Liz Fairhurst (Con, Bedhampton) said the motion doesn’t go far enough. She wants all new houses to look at having solar panels and heat pumps.
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