CHRISTCHURCH Town Councillors have agreed to the motion to declare a Climate Emergency in the town and make strides to become carbon neutral by 2050.

The motion, which was passed through during the full council meeting held on Monday July 12, supports the climate emergency declared in 2019 by BCP Council.

Jumpers and St Catherine’s Hill ward councillor Carol Gardiner initially proposed the declaration of a Climate Emergency in Christchurch on January 18, 2021, and, subsequently, a Climate Change Task Group was elected the following month.

The Task and Finish group comprises of the Chairman of Community Committee, who sits as chairman, and four members.

In a lively meeting last week, councillors voted 10 to two in favour of the motion with one abstention.

Bournemouth Echo:

Priory Ward councillor and member of the Climate Change Task Group Michael Tarling said: “The Climate Emergency declaration sets out a net zero carbon target to align with BCP Councils aspirations.

“The council has committed to switching to a zero-carbon energy supplier, to start monitoring CO2 emissions as a result of the Councils activities and to consider the environment and carbon emissions in all its decision making, including Planning decisions including the new Neighbourhood Plan, Community projects and purchasing.”

The Climate Change Task Group will now draft the declaration that Christchurch Town Council should be net Carbon Zero by 2050.

The council will also look to switch energy suppliers to a Zero-carbon supplier and record mileage and CO2 equivalents of CTC officers and Councillors in travel to meetings and daily commuting.

The inclusion of zero carbon technologies as part of the Planning process are to be investigated, which could be incorporated into the town’s Neighbourhood Plan.

The Council and its Climate Change Task Group are to work with BCP Officers to align its policies, such as local planning, housing and environmental risks, and promote it among Christchurch residents.