Lincoln to declare a climate emergency

The City of Lincoln Council will become the second local authority in the county to declare a climate emergency, promising to “tackle the problem of global warming head on”.

A proposal will go before members at our next full council on Tuesday 23 July, asking them to back the council’s decision to take action on climate change.

The declaration is made up of eight resolutions that the council will abide by once approved, one of which is to commit to the vision of a carbon neutral Lincoln by 2030 at the latest.

It also calls on the districts and county council to work with us on critical areas such as highways, energy, waste, health and wellbeing.

Councillor Ric Metcalfe, Leader of City of Lincoln Council, said: “I am delighted that the council is now making this declaration, as it builds on many years of work by City of Lincoln Council to address the problem of climate change.

“We all know how urgent the situation is becoming, and this resolution will offer us the opportunity to double our efforts.

“We welcome all the support we’ve had from various groups in the city, and look forward to working with them for a carbon-free Lincoln.”

Geoff Stratford, Lincoln Climate Commission member said: “It’s great to see the council responding to growing public concern especially from young people.

“We need to acknowledge the truth about the climate and environmental emergency, and work together so that ambitious targets are turned into practical action.

“The challenges are great but the required changes to our energy, housing and transport systems will bring benefits for health, well-being and employment.

“Business as usual is unthinkable.”

On Thursday, North Kesteven District Council became the first council to declare a climate emergency in response to calls from councillors and campaigners.

A motion previously went before Lincolnshire County Council, however, while the authority ‘recognised’ there was a climate problem, it rejected the motion.