Climate Emergency Action Plan
In 2018, 15 year old, Greta Thunberg, began her School Strike for Climate campaign outside the Swedish Parliament. She then went on to address world leaders at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, challenging their lack of action over the destruction of the planet. This led to worldwide protests and the creation of Fridays for Future.
In response, the UK government declared a Climate Emergency.
So, what does this mean at a local level and how can we ensure our council will follow through with their declaration?
At a national level
Climate SOS: Shift our Subsidies
Newbury Friends of the Earth is supporting Climate SOS to fight against funding of fossil fuels in the UK!
We demand that the UK Government tells the truth about its fossil fuel subsidies and shifts taxpayers’ money from fossil fuels and industrial-scale bioenergy (from land-use change) into energy efficiency, non-emissive renewable energy, public transport and nature restoration. The UK Government also needs to show leadership in COP 26 and other international meetings to advocate and support urgent international action to be taken to end fossil fuel subsidies.
Find out more
Sign the petition
Friends of the Earth Newbury propose a 10 Point Plan to ensure West Berkshire responds effectively to this emergency!
EDUCATE
Create a compulsory education program on climate change for all councillors and senior council officers within WBC to allow them to understand the urgency of climate action.
DIVEST FOSSIL FUEL FUNDING
Insist that all WBC investments held in the Berkshire Pension fund are divested from fossil fuel investment towards more sustainable options.
ENGAGE THE PUBLIC
Provide useful information through your website outlining how we as individuals can reduce our carbon footprint in the WB area as well as progress on climate change mitigation locally.
SOLAR ENERGY
All council buildings with south facing roofs must be fitted with solar panels saving money in electricity bills as well as the planet.
Click here to download a draft letter of our Action Plan
ENGAGE LOCAL BUSINESSES
Provide practicable and specific guidelines for local businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and highlight their role as a business in making environmental change.
EFFICIENT
NEW BUILDS
All new constructions in the WB area must achieve Passivehaus standards, ensuring a low carbon footprint for this building.
ELECTRIC CAR CHARGING POINTS
The world is changing rapidly and we need WB to keep up! Install dedicated charging points and car parking spaces for electric cars.
RENEWABLE ENERGY INVESTMENT
Create a community bond to fund the construction of three new wind turbine sites in the WB area.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Offer commercial composting facilities and ditch the green waste charges for WB residents. Provide new wheelie bins and better information on recycling options.
