Borough climate strategy shows a lack of ambition
I am writing to add some balance to reporting on RBWM’s rebadged Environment and Climate Strategy. Yes, it was unanimously approved but not before being exposed by environmental experts, activists and myself for effectively having a number of profound deficiencies that will have to be addressed if the strategy is going to have any impact at all.
In its present form, without striving for deep cuts in carbon emissions in the immediate future, we are guaranteed to use up the RBWM share of the globally agreed carbon budgets within a few years, and long before the 2050 target date.
In other words, we are planning to exceed the 2°C threshold for disastrous, worldwide climate change which will result in the collapse of ecosystems and food supplies, flooding of many low lying cities and entire countries, like Bangladesh, global mass migrations and, increased death and destruction in the UK from extreme cold, extreme heat, and flooding.
Put simply, the current RBWM Environment & Climate strategy shows a dangerous lack of ambition and leadership from the top.
You may wonder why councillors voted unanimously for this? To allow the good work that has been done to be developed, and to allow some of the programs to proceed without further delay.
The extent of the deficiencies within the strategy is shown by the burgeoning frustration of local environmental groups and experts who have poured themselves into helping RBWM only for their views to be written out of the plan.
One national expert called RBWM and the strategy ‘hapless’ and many have now withdrawn their support from the council.
I could write two pages setting out the fundamental and also important flaws in the strategy; residents can read this at my blog on the WWRA website.
The process has highlighted a leadership vacuum and, a public engagement failing.
Residents should demand more, and protest in the strongest terms, after all, it's our future that is at stake. For now, I will continue to try and help the council and I hope they will take our comments as they are meant and work together towards a strategy we can be proud of.
Cllr WIDSOM DA COSTA Deputy Chair, Cross Party Climate
Change Panel Clewer & Dedworth West