On 27th June 2019, Dumfries and Galloway Council made history by passing a Climate Emergency Declaration, agreeing to a 12-point plan to reduce carbon emissions in the region to net zero by 2025. Members also committed to supporting communities and businesses to adapt to climate change, and appointed Councillor Dougie Campbell as Environment Champion.
A report will be considered at the meeting of the Council’s Economy and Resources Committee on 12th September, to make proposals on the implementation of the 12-point plan.
As part of an early consultation process, Councillor Campbell met with representatives of the Stewartry Climate Group (now Dumfries and Galloway Climate Group) on 31st July to discuss his role, learn about the group’s objectives and listen to the views of activists on the way ahead.
Councillor Campbell added “Dumfries and Galloway Council is taking a lead role; however, I want to encourage communities and businesses, whether rural or urban, to play their part in understanding the impact of climate change, share best practice and look at what we can all do to adapt. We are ambitious and our goal is to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2025 which will contribute towards efforts worldwide to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees.
I was hugely impressed by the knowledge and suggestions from the Stewartry Climate Group. We discussed everything from Green Tourism to reducing packaging on food. I was struck by their determination to play their part, working alongside Dumfries and Galloway Council. I’m really encouraged too that climate action groups are springing up across the region, and I urge them to get in touch with me, so we can have similar discussions.”
John Higgs, Dumfries and Galloway Climate Group said “More and more people in Dumfries and Galloway are realising how serious the climate crisis is. We are frightened at how quickly the effects of climate change are happening. This is increasingly being seen in our local environment.
We greatly welcome the commitment by Dumfries & Galloway Council to move the region to net carbon neutrality by 2025. The urgency of the situation demands a new and fairer way for all people and businesses in our society to work together with the council to tackle the huge task of cutting our emissions; reversing the damage to our environment; and reducing the worst effects of climate chaos as it will increasingly disrupt our society.”
For anyone who wishes to find out more or get involved, please contact: [email protected]
Additional information:
Dumfries and Galloway Council Meeting of Thursday 27th June 2019 – Item 18 – https://dumfriesgalloway.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=137&MId=4468
