Agenda item

RESOLVED:

1.     That the activities undertaken and progress made in 2022 in response to the declared Climate Change and Nature Emergency be acknowledged;

2.     That the NFDC’s role as a Local Authority be acknowledged which is to support National Government policy around change and the environment; but as leaders of place, we can work with partners and the public to encourage all to understand and play their part;

3.     That the Climate Change and Nature Emergency Action Plan 2023 (Appendix 5) be approved;

4.     That the strategic direction of NFDC’s climate action be supported, as set out in this report, on the understanding that the three prioritised programmes of activity (Carbon Reduction, Climate Adaptation and Nature Recovery) are intended to ensure best results and maximum value for money; and

5.     That it be agreed to set a 5-Year Climate Change and Nature Emergency Strategy and Action Plan 2023-2028 in summer 2023, in accordance with the revised Corporate Plan 2023-2027, with progress to be reported annually aligning activity to the financial year.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

As set out in the report.

KEY DECISION:

Yes

PORTFOLIO:

Environmental and Coastal / All

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (S):

None.

DISCUSSION:

The Climate Change Manager provided a brief overview of the report, which included an update on the progress towards achieving the aims of the Climate and Nature Emergency Declaration.  Background information had been provided with data of climate change projections in the New Forest as well as baseline data.  This had been compared to neighbouring authorities and national statistics.  Section 5 of the report provided an update on the Strategic Action plan for 2022 and section 6 set out the Strategic Direction for 2023.

Members of Cabinet and the Council expressed their support to the report confirming the importance of reducing impact on the environment and to adopt a more sustainable approach.  It was important for the District Council to take a lead in its approach and it was hoped that others would follow. The nature element of the emergency was recognised and it was hoped that everyone could get involved and make small steps to improve the environment, with for example, the installation of swift boxes to properties.

It was recognised that the New Forest had the highest domestic and industrial emissions and the second highest transport and commercial emissions when compared to other District Council areas in Hampshire.  A Member expressed concern that with the proposed new development on the Waterside and with the Freeport, that transport and commercial emissions would increase having a further negative impact on the District.

The Council’s appointed representative on the Freeport Board responded to the points raised.  He reported that the Freeport was proposed to be the greenest Freeport and would be aiming for net zero, both in terms of carbon and nature.  The Freeport would help to grow the economy of the New Forest in a sustainable way.  The largest oil refinery in the UK was also located in the District which was a significant factor in the high level of industrial emissions.  However, it was suggested that in the future hydrogen might be produced by Exxon rather than oil.

A member outlined that whilst the report provided clear data, it should be noted that not all residents were worried about climate change, and indeed some may not see the immediate impact as negative for our locality.

Members suggested that a briefing be provided to all councillors after the election on the climate change and nature emergency.  This would help members to disseminate information to local residents.  It was also suggested by a member that consideration be given regarding the messaging to residents on this matter.