The town council has declared a climate emergency, recognising the urgent need to address climate change and biodiversity loss at a local level.

Speaking to fellow members of Oakham Town Council at a meeting last week, Cllr Hannah Williams said: "Like a greenhouse, our planet is now blanketed by greenhouse gas emissions, and the scientific consensus is that society must limit global warming to 1.5 degrees celsius by limiting our carbon emissions in half by 2030, and to near zero by 2050.

"I would like Oakham to play its part in that by first acknowledging and declaring a climate emergency, thereby recognising the urgent need to address climate change and biodiversity loss at the local level, and then acknowledge the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"We recognise the part which we have to play and commit to taking an active role in achieving this by developing a climate action plan for Oakham Town Council."

Cllr Hannah Williams. Image credit: LDRS.

Cllr Williams added: "I further propose that we form an 'environmental working group' to lead on developing this plan, and proactively reduce our greenhouse gas emissions as an organisation, for example by becoming more energy efficient. In collaborating with residents, businesses, organisations, and other stakeholders we can collectively address the climate and biodiversity emergency. Furthermore, we are seeking to improve our community resilience to climate change, including climate and biodiversity considerations when council decisions are made."

Cllr Paul Ainsley said: "While I totally agree with the proposal to acknowledge and declare a climate emergency, I would suggest that we form the working group first, and then allow it to report back to us on what actions we should be taking."

Members unanimously agreed with the amended proposal from Cllr Ainsley.

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Councillors Hannah Williams, James Hall and Paul Buxton will form an environmental working group to report back to full council at a later date.