‘INADEQUATE’ plans by Warwickshire County Council (WCC) to combat and adapt to climate change have been slammed by a group of professionals in the county.
In a letter to WCC, a group of Warwickshire residents ‘working in the broad field of sustainability’ – including academia, energy, law, risk and buildings – have urged the council to ‘significantly revise’ its draft Sustainable Futures Strategy.
The letter – signed by academics from the University of Warwick, lawyers and business directors – says the Strategy ‘falls short of what is required’.
It reads: “The Strategy is thin on specific actions for reaching net zero carbon emissions, and deficient in plans for adapting to climate change. It does not lessen the risks to individuals, homes and businesses.”
The authors say the document acknowledges that targets to reduce carbon emissions across the county to net zero by 2050 will not be met – leaving Warwickshire with ‘unacceptably high’ emissions of around 60 per cent from 1990 levels by 2050.
“WCC’s strategy for dealing with remaining emissions seems to rely heavily on offsetting by tree planting and natural sequestration in plants and soil. Such levels of offsetting are completely unrealistic.”
The letter calls for ‘more ambitious actions’ around net zero new buildings, energy use savings, generation of renewable energy, and transport policy.
It adds: “There is no sense of WCC being able to use its significant financial power – with 77 per cent of our council tax – and influence in engaging with local manufacturing, house builders, the health and care sectors, the energy sector, colleges, universities, environmental groups and charities about how to deliver net zero actions.
“There is an urgent need for a plan addressing overheating, flooding etc, but no details are given. There is mention of the roles for lower tier councils but little sense of integration despite several councils having well advanced climate mitigation and adaptation plans – such as Rugby Borough, and Warwick and Stratford Districts.
“Stated objectives are vague and not matched by proposed actions to suggest that carbon emission reduction targets will be met.”
The letter also slammed the council’s ‘lack of ambition, leadership and commitment in addressing the climate and ecological crises’.
“We urge WCC to create a revised strategy that serves the needs of Warwickshire residents, now and in the future.”
Coun Heather Timms, WCC’s Environment, Climate and Culture spokeswoman, said the draft Strategy formed the foundation of the council’s response to the climate emergency.
She said: “Our engagement with Warwickshire residents, including subject specialists and professionals from higher education and our businesses, is ongoing throughout February, as we hold a series of focus groups to further explore issues in more detail.
“This detailed feedback we receive will inform further development of the Strategy, and our findings and recommendations will be considered by Cabinet in Spring.
“A key theme in our Strategy is the need to work in partnership with others, including community and voluntary groups as well as the private and public sector, so we look forward to working with those who share our ambition to deliver a sustainable future for Warwickshire.”
Visit https://tinyurl.com/yw29u4h8 to read the WCC Sustainable Futures Strategy.
