Declaring a climate emergency

Many parish and town councils have already declared a climate emergency, and we are encouraging more to follow suit! By declaring a climate emergency, councils can demonstrate their commitment to addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time and mobilise action at the local level.

Parish and town councils can declare a climate emergency through a formal resolution or motion during their meetings. Here's a general outline of the steps you might take:

Research and awareness — Council members should educate themselves about climate change and its potential impacts on their community. This might involve studying scientific reports, consulting experts, and gathering information on local vulnerabilities.
Drafting a resolution — A council member or group can draft a resolution declaring a climate emergency. This document should outline the reasons for the declaration, the council's commitment to taking action, and any specific goals or targets they intend to set.
Presenting the resolution—The resolution is then presented during a council meeting. The council members may discuss, amend, and vote on it. It's important to gather support from fellow members and potentially engage with the community to build broader support.
Passing the resolution — If the resolution receives enough votes, it is officially adopted by the council. The council may then take further steps to publicise the declaration and begin implementing plans to address climate change at the local level.
Action planning — Following the declaration, the council can develop and implement specific initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainability, and increase resilience to climate impacts. This might involve energy efficiency improvements, transitioning to renewable energy sources, promoting public transportation, supporting local agriculture, and enhancing green spaces.
Monitoring and reporting — The council should regularly monitor progress towards its climate goals and report its achievements and challenges to the community. Transparency and accountability are key to maintaining public trust and support.

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