Last night, Camden Green Party councillor Maya de Souza (Highgate Green ward) proposed a motion that the London Borough of Camden sign up to reduce its carbon emmissions by 10 per cent by the end of 1010.
In a rare show of cross-party unity, every council member present voted in favour of the Greens’ motion.
The motion commits the borough council to cut its carbon emissions by 10% in the next 15 months.
Clllr Maya de Souza said: "As most climate change scientists say, it is vital that we cut our emissions in Western countries by about 90% by 2050 if we are to avoid climate change. And we must begin immediately if we are to make a difference. To begin to reverse this process of rising emissions, countries like the UK need to take the lead. We can no longer afford to play this negotiating game where we do nothing till we have commitments from others. By Camden committing itself to cutting its emissions, we will be sending a firm message to the government that we are ready and willing to make these changes and that we demand that they seek far-reaching commitments at Copenhagen".
Camden’s Green Councillors stress the importance of action at the level of the Council and other such institutions that create a large share of our emissions. They also take the view that the Council has a vital role in facilitating change on the wider community.
Cllr Alex Goodman said: "This is just the beginning, not the end. We would like to see Camden’s businesses and other organisations follow this lead and for Camden to work with residents to do the same. I cannot stress enough the importance of collective action by the community and through local government to make real inroads into dealing with climate change."
Camden’s officers have advised that it is feasible to make a 10% cut in emissions with a reduction in emissions from corporate buildings and energy contracts, with using greener fuels to power its fleet; and by a strong system of environment champions in the workplace.
The motion put by the Green councillors was as follows:
This Council notes:
1. Climate change predictions show that without severe cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, the world will be hit by drought, flooding and famine affecting all of us and poorest countries the worst. Some of these countries are already suffering from the effects of climate change. This is an issue of social justice as well as environmental justice.
2. That under current commitments the UK is due to cut emissions by 34 percent by 2020. It is hoped that negotiations at Copenhagen will lead to stricter commitments. Climate change scientists advise that cuts of 10% a year are needed to avert the worst consequences of climate change.
3. To ensure a breakthrough, at the critical Copenhagen conference, that may just save our planet from climate change, Ministers need to know that people in their countries are behind them.
4. 10 councils so far have signed up to the 10% by 2010 "10:10 campaign" started by Franny Armstrong which seeks to get individuals and organizations to make a firm commitment.
This Council believes that it is possible to achieve this target with the right degree of political will, and that it is important to show its commitment to making these emission reductions.
This Council therefore resolves to sign up to the 10:10 campaign and make a firm commitment to reduce its emissions as measured for National Indicator 185 (minus school related emissions and outsourced emissions) by 10 percent between end-2009 and end-2010.
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More about the 10:10 campaign.