Council chiefs back climate change plan

Council chiefs have backed a bid to declare a climate emergency.

They approved a motion recognising the earth is in the midst of a climate crisis requiring“urgent and meaningful action at international, national and local level”at a meeting last week.

And the move will see chief executive Graham Hope lobby First Minsister Nicola Sturgeon for additional resources and powers to allow councils to tackle the issue. The authority says the action is necessary to preserve the planet for future generations.

In a bid to relieve the emergency, council officers will also be tasked with identifying climate-friendly measures such as reviewing energy efficiency in buildings and promoting use of electric vehicles.

The motion also proposed the staging of a conference workshop by the Community Planning Partnership to allow partner agencies, together with members of the community, to examine climate change plans.

A cross-party group will also be established to develop plans to involve the wider public, businesses and public bodies in the changes.

Council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick said:“The council recognises that we are in the midst of a global climate crisis and is committed to continuously increasing our efforts to address this locally.

“West Lothian Council signed the Climate Change Declaration in 2007 and significant work has taken place to date to make West Lothian a more environmentally friendly and sustainable place to live and work. West Lothian Council acknowledges the role that local government has in tackling the global climate emergency and will work with partners and seek further support from the Scottish Government to ensure we can fully meet our obligations and more.”