Minutes:
CM 37/21
The Mayor advised Members that officers had been informed of the wish for representatives of the West Devon Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill Alliance to formally submit a petition to this meeting in support of the Climate and Ecological Emergency (CEE) Bill.
As a result of the capacity restrictions in the Council Chamber associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic, officers read the following supporting statement on behalf of the representatives of the Alliance:
‘The West Devon CEE Bill Alliance wanted to find out how others in the area feel about the climate and nature crisis and if they support the CEE Bill. To reach people, we started a petition and more importantly over the last few weeks we have been listening to and talking with people out and about in the Borough.
The main view from people we listened to was that as well as working to bring developing countries on board we need to be doing more in this country so that we get on track to meet our own targets. These people are doing what they can at a household level to reduce their impact. They were keen to support the CEE Bill and for many it was good to learn they have a means to do so through our democratic process.
Some people were most concerned about the vast quantity of emissions from China, they felt making reductions here is insignificant. As you can imagine, this was a good discussion point, as per head of population, China is way down the list with emissions, in addition a vast quantity of the emissions produced by China are due manufacture of goods that countries such as us import. When import / export emissions are put into calculations, this makes developed countries like the UK even more responsible for being leaders in change.
Sadly, a significant number of people had no hope and talked about it being too late. There was also the view that nothing can be done to change the activities of large companies. It was good to be able to talk with these folk about how government can regulate companies and that governments can and should be working together through international meetings such as the imminent COP 26.
People were interested in the role the Climate and Nature Assembly would play if the CEE Bill is enacted. The assembly would ensure a true cross section of the population are informed and consulted about options and contribute to government strategy. The rigour in the formation and methodology of the assembly means it would complement not replace the existing role of government advisors.
Many children and young people spoke with us. They were all concerned about the future and all had ideas about what we should do, some were anxious, many were hopeful. Under 16-year-olds can’t sign the petition but they wrote messages on paper leaves to attach to our tree of hope. Here are just a few:
“It’s our job to fix this and we need to realise.” “Save the fish and coral reefs.” “We must save our world now.” “Plant more trees.” “Let’s not wreck the earth.” “You need to care it’s my future that will be affected. Start doing stuff now.” “Humans are destroying the world [that] they need to survive.”
…and a quote that sums up the views of so many adults
“Please support climate action. We only have this planet for our children to inherit.”
We ask you to vote for the motion to support this bill, your role in giving MPs a mandate to take action and in passing on the concerns and views of voters is so valuable.
Thank you for your work.
Best
wishes,
David Williams, Sian Aubrey, Chris Simpson, Graham Palmer, Sara
Palmer, Jacky Hudswell.
(PETITION: Signed by 426 people living in West Devon, over the age of 16).”
The Mayor proceeded to receive the petition on behalf of the Council and informed that a response would be provided to the Alliance representatives in accordance with the Council’s adopted Petition Scheme.