Whilst climate change has been recognised as a major issue for more than a generation, it is only in the last couple of years that the enormity of the risk associated with failing to tackle this head on has been widely recognised.
In June 2019, Dumfries and Galloway Council agreed to adopt a Climate Emergency Declaration in order to address the effects of climate change on our region.
As part of the process, the Council also appointed Councillor Dougie Campbell as the Council’s Environment Champion.
Councillor Campbell will submit his Annual Report to Dumfries and Galloway Full Council on 17 Dec, which evidences the continued and significant activity undertaken as well as the personal contribution and leadership of Councillor Campbell in this role.
The remit for the Environment Champion includes:
• to highlight and address the challenges facing the region associated with the impacts of climate change and the opportunities associated with reducing our carbon emissions
• to bring together those with an interest in Climate Change and Carbon Reductions across the region’s communities, stakeholders and partners
• to encourage co-operation in promoting Climate Change and Carbon Reduction within Dumfries and Galloway Council and the Community Planning Partnership.
• To provide Political Leadership and representation on Climate Change
Councillor Campbell said: “Although affected by the Pandemic, it has been a busy year and myself, fellow Members on the Cross-party Working Group and members of the Officer Working Group have continued with our dedication to combat the effects of Climate Change. I am also proud of our achievement this year to become a Carbon Literate Organisation, the first non-metropolitan Local Authority in Scotland to do this.
The level of enthusiasm in our communities and stakeholders has been apparent and welcome to me and things are now picking up pace, as they must, to achieve our ambitious commitment for the region to be net carbon zero by 2025.
To read the full report go to: https://dumfriesgalloway.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=137&MId=4996
For further information visit: https://www.dumgal.gov.uk/article/21773/Climate-Emergency
