Climate lobby group challenges county election candidates

A CLIMATE-CHANGE lobby group has challenged all the candidates standing for this week’s county council elections to sign up to an environmental pledge.

Derbyshire Climate Coalition, an alliance of more than 30 community organisations, wants candidates to make a promise to focus on action to cut carbon emissions during their term, if they are elected.

The pledge reads: “If elected, I pledge to ensure that our council works with the community to rapidly implement a Climate Action Plan.

“The plan strives to cut carbon emissions drastically by 2030, and that the climate and ecological emergency is a central consideration in all council actions.”

Anne Thoday, speaking on behalf of the group, said: “At this crucial time it is vital that our leadership understands the gravity of the issues.

“They have to be determined to implement policies that protect the natural environment of which we are part - and on which we all depend - and thereby the wellbeing of Derbyshire communities.

“Without this pledge and perspective from the 64 Derbyshire candidates who will be elected to leadership positions on 6 May, it is extremely unlikely that any lasting recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and its awful social, economic and environmental effects can be achieved.”

Voters will be heading to polling stations from 7am tomorrow, and counting of votes will begin on Friday.

Live coverage of the counts will be available on the Derbyshire Live website and social media channels.