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Council responds on United Nations Climate Change report with call to action.
Human activities have caused irreversible effects
In response to the Sixth Assessment Report from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Councillor Nigel Bedford, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Sustainability at Epping Forest District Council said:
The latest report from the IPCC is very clear that human activities have caused irreversible effects to weather and climate in all areas of the world. Urgent action is therefore essential to cut greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming to below 1.5C to avoid more frequent and extreme effects.
Responsibility to tackle climate change
Councillor Nigel Bedford continued:
Epping Forest District Council recognises the responsibility of local government to tackle climate change and is already implementing measures to reduce emissions within the district.
Developments are underway in terms of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging, demand responsive transport and safer cycling routes.
The Council is also bringing forward green infrastructure projects and supporting residents to improve their energy efficiency by providing access to grant funding. These actions will not only reduce emissions, but also help to clean up our air quality, reduce energy bills and improve our health making Epping Forest district a better place to live, work and play.
Climate Change Action Plan
Councillor Nigel Bedford said:
Alongside these developments the Council has developed a Climate Change Action Plan, which is going out for public consultation in September. Once released, we encourage you to have your say and find out more about Climate Change and how you can help by reducing your personal emissions.
Local business is also being asked to play its part in tackling climate change emissions.
Councillor Nigel Bedford added:
Epping Forest District Council needs to lead business organisations by example. A report to Cabinet on the refit of the Civic Offices will include highlights of our reduced carbon footprint through better office infrastructure and new ways of working such as working from home.
Working with the environment is essential to tackle climate change. It also makes good business sense through lower bills and more efficient services.
Now is the time to change
Councillor Nigel Bedford concluded:
Now is the time to change. Scientists across the world are linking extreme weather events from monsoon conditions to drought, heatwaves and forest fires, melting icecaps and rising sea levels to climate change.
Every one of us has a part to play. We can all make a difference in our daily lives by eating less meat, recycling more and throwing away less, improving the energy efficiency of our homes, finding more sustainable forms of transport and reducing the impact of our businesses. Now is the time before it’s too late.
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