Climate pledges approved

Perth and Kinross councillors have signed-up to several commitments in relation to the global climate emergency.

Elected members approved the move at a virtual meeting on November 15 – although the commitment of some councillors was questioned.

The report put before those logged on committed Perth and Kinross Council to The Global Covenant of Mayors, Glasgow Food and Climate Declaration and the Edinburgh Declaration on post-2020 global biodiversity framework.

The covenant comprises over 10,000 cities and local governments who“share a long-term vision of supporting voluntary action to combat climate change.”

The Glasgow declaration is a commitment to hasten the development of integrated food policies and urge national governments to act, while the Edinburgh one commits governments, cities and local authorities across the world to a set of shared commitments for nature over the coming decade.

Council leader Murray Lyle told councillors it was“at the local government level that so many of the actions need to be implemented.”

He said this was made clear during his visit to COP26, where he met representatives from all over the world.

He said councils were encouraged to join a number of initiatives to demonstrate their commitment.

Lib Dem Perth City South councillor Liz Barrett said:“We need to take action.

“To quote Greta Thunberg – and I will refrain from breaking into song in case I’m thrown out of the chamber – there is frustration about lots of‘blah, blah, blah’ without clear commitment to action, and it is the job of each of us to act, lead by example and explain what we are doing, and why, and to support voluntary action by individuals and by groups to combat climate change.”

SNP Strathmore councillor Fiona Sarwar said:“Our response to food poverty as well as the climate emergency must ensure a just transition.

“I hope these commitments will allow for accountability between councils and governments as well as knowledgesharing and best practice.”

Lib Dem Kinross-shire councillor Willie Robertson called the report“laudable” but expressed cynicism and said PKC had a“long way to go.”

He said:“This council works really hard to reduce our carbon footprint and make ourselves a greener organisation.

“But at the same time, staying here in Kinross-shire, I see our bus services disappearing – or reduced substantially – and fields covered in houses.

“We have to get resources in place to allow us to become a greener area and cut down our emissions.”

Independent Highland ward councillor Xander McDade – who voted against the Cross Tay Link Road project – questioned Cllr Robertson’s commitment to retaining green space when he voted to approve the road running through native forest back in autumn 2020.

He added:“We need to make sure our actions do follow our words and it isn’t all ‘blah, blah, blah’.

“That’s something members maybe need to reflect on when they vote.”

The report was agreed.