LIB DEMS URGE COUNCIL TO SIGN UP TO 10:10 CAMPAIGN

4.52.50pm GMT Thu 3rd Dec 2009

Liberal Democrat Councillors Steve Darling and Colin Charlwood have tabled a motion for the Full Council meeting next Thursday, the 10th December, urging the Council to sign up to the environmental 10:10 campaign.

Thousands of individuals and a growing number of local councils of all political colours have signed up to the 10:10 campaign, which commits them to lowering their carbon emissions by 10% by the end of 2010.

The motion says:

"Torbay Council notes that:

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 in particular. Some of these countries are already suffering from the effects of climate change. This is an issue of social justice as well as a call to take environmental action.

2. Under the UK Climate Change Act 2008, the UK is due to cut its emissions by 34% by 2020, and that Camden aspires to a 40% cut by 2020 as a supporter of the Friends of the Earth "Get Serious" Campaign. However, according to climate change scientists, a cut of 10% in 2010 is in line with what is now needed to avert runaway climate change.

3. A growing number of local councils of all political colours are among those who have signed up to the "10:10 Campaign" initiated by Camden filmmaker Franny Armstrong, which seeks to persuade individuals, businesses, organisations and the UK government to reduce their CO2 emissions by 10% by the end of 2010.

This Council supports the aims and ambitions of the 10:10 Campaign.

Torbay Council therefore resolves to sign up for the 10:10 Campaign."

Councillor Darling said, "This motion is very topical, as the Council meeting takes place while the international talks on climate change are underway in Copenhagen. The 10:10 campaign has really taken off nationally, with thousands of individuals and a growing number of Councils of all political colours signing up to reduce their carbon emissions by 10% next year. The decision to agree this motion and to sign up to the 10:10 campaign lies with the elected Mayor. I shared the motion with him five weeks ago, so I am hoping that he will be able to make his decision at the Council meeting rather than waiting until the first Cabinet meeting in the New Year."