Agenda item

Consider report by Executive Director, Corporate Improvement & Economy.  (Copy attached.)

6.1    There had been circulated copies of a report by the Chief Executive setting out the Council’s strategic direction on the issue of climate change, and to provide a lead to our partners, to businesses, communities and people in the Scottish Borders.  The report proposed that the Council should declare a Climate Emergency, reflecting its commitment to action on the issue.  The act of declaration had a vital role to play in building public awareness that we were in a climate emergency situation which placed unprecedented demands on all individuals, communities and businesses, as well as public bodies.  The report also acknowledged that while a Climate Emergency declaration issued by a Council could be a powerful catalyst for action, it must be paired with a clear action plan and an appropriate commitment of resources.  In responding to the climate emergency, there was an urgent need to review how the Scottish Borders could make a step-change in activity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change.  This needed to be done in a way that was positive for the people and the economy of the Scottish Borders and built on the strengths and assets of the region.  The report provided an initial overview of some of the challenges and opportunities for the Scottish Borders as a whole in supporting the national endeavour to end Scotland’s contribution to climate change by 2045.  It also considered the Council’s responsibilities in responding to the climate emergency as an organisation.  Members discussed the report in detail and both support for the proposals and concern regarding the wider impact on Council services was expressed.  Councillor Aitchison, seconded by Councillor Fullarton, moved approval of the recommendation in the report.  Councillor H. Anderson, seconded by Councillor Haslam, proposed an amendment adding a new recommendation (c) “that the ‘implications’ section of Council reports shall be reviewed and updated generally, with a specific objective of setting out the UN Sustainable Development Goals addressed by the actions proposed in the recommendations of the report.  This review and updating will be overseen by the Sustainable Development Committee with recommendations for a finalised format and approach to the ‘implications’ section of reports to be brought to Council for decision by 31 January 2021 at the latest”.  Councillor Aitchison agreed to accept the addition of this extra amendment within his Motion.

6.2    Councillor Jardine, seconded by Councillor Edgar, moved a further amendment to reword recommendations (b)(ii) and (b)(iv) – (vi) as follows:-

         (ii)      to build upon the work we have undertaken to date, and ensure combating climate change in the Scottish Borders is part of future policy decisions;   

         (iv)     to ensure that other council services and needs aren’t adversely affected by the finance needed to fund sustainable development opportunities we must investigate all possible sources of external funding and match funding to support this commitment;

         (v)      to work collaboratively with Community Planning Partners, and other stakeholders, including businesses and the public in developing the Scottish Borders’  response to the Climate challenge; and  

         (vi)     that the Sustainable Development Committee oversee development of the plan to be presented to Council before March 2021, and oversee the development and implementation of the plan agreed by Council in responding to the Climate challenge.

6.3    VOTE

         Councillor Paterson, seconded by Councillor A. Anderson, moved that the vote be taken by roll call and this was unanimously agreed.

         The Motion was accordingly carried by 27 votes to 4

DECISION

DECIDED:-

(a)      to recognise and declare a Climate Emergency;

(b)      to approve the following:

(i)        as soon as possible, to set a target for achieving a reduction in the Council’s carbon emissions, which was at least consistent with the Scottish Government’s target of net zero by 2045 and the intermediate targets set out in the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets)(Scotland) Act 2019;

(ii)         to build upon the work the Council had undertaken to date, and to align our policies to address the Climate Emergency;

(iii)        to set out a clear plan of action to reduce our carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases, such plan to return to Council for consideration before March 2021;

     (iv)      to assess the resource requirements placed on the Council by the aforementioned plan of action and to investigate all possible sources of external funding and match funding to support this commitment;

(v)         to work collaboratively with Community Planning Partners, and other stakeholders, including businesses and the public, in developing the Scottish Borders’ response to the Climate Emergency;

(vi)        that the Sustainable Development Committee oversee development of the plan to be presented to Council before March 2021, and oversee the development and implementation of the plan agreed by Council in responding to the Climate Emergency;

(vii)        that the Sustainable Development Committee develop recommendations on a collaborative and inclusive regional dialogue on climate action to be included in the plan to be considered by Council before March 2021; and

(c)       that the ‘implications’ section of Council reports would be reviewed and updated generally, with a specific objective of setting out the UN Sustainable Development Goals addressed by the actions proposed in the recommendations of the report.  This review and updating would be overseen by the Sustainable Development Committee with recommendations for a finalised format and approach to the ‘implications’ section of reports to be brought to Council for decision by 31 January 2021 at the latest.