BARNSLEY’S Green Party branch has condemned council leader William Brown’s ‘alarming’ statement on ditching the town’s climate emergency declaration.
Councillor Brown announced intentions to formally rescind the council’s declaration of a climate emergency, amid a review of council spending.
It’s been labelled a ‘reckless decision’ by the Greens, who said the Reform leader’s comments were irresponsible.
The climate emergency declaration was first brought in by the former Labour-run council, which saw leaders commit to a raft of work to reduce emissions and improve air quality by 2040.
Kab Nepal, the acting deputy chair for the branch, told the Chronicle: “I can forgive Reform’s cost-saving measures but climate change is a scientific, human-driven issue and we’re facing substantially warmer temperatures.
“I’m a doctor so see first-hand that heat-related admissions are on the rise, so it seems wildly inappropriate to rescind Barnsley’s climate emergency declaration.
“The south recently had its first-ever red weather warning, which means there’s a threat to life, and it won’t be long until that moves up north over the coming years.
“This issue has become particularly topical in the last few weeks as dangerous, once-in-a-generation heatwaves have become increasingly frequent.”
A Green Party spokesperson echoed Mr Nepal’s thoughts and urged Reform to think twice about scrapping it.
“It is vital that we recognise the effects of climate change and global warming on the overall health and wellbeing of Barnsley.
“Although we value any spending review which prioritises community-focused goals and ensures that local issues are prioritised, it is wrong to suggest that rescinding from the declaration will be in the best interests of our residents.
“This reckless decision is deeply troubling, signalling the administration’s irresponsibly in addressing the climate crisis and how it directly impacts our community.
“Mitigating the effects of climate change is no less important in Barnsley as it is anywhere else in the world.
“Rising temperatures have had an irreversible impact on the decline of our local environment, whilst heavier rainfall and increased flood risks along the Dearne and the Don directly threaten those residing near our natural spaces.
“Although we support the former Labour administration’s declaration of a crisis, developments in climate science have highlighted that our aims to reduce emissions, maintain natural food sources and protect our residents have to accelerate significantly.
“This catastrophe is affecting us now we cannot afford to wait to pursue our climate goals.”
Coun Brown added: “We recognise that climate and environmental issues are important.
“However, they are not the only issues facing our borough.
“A responsible council must balance its priorities and the review of the climate emergency declaration is therefore not an abandonment of environmental responsibility.
“It is an opportunity to ensure that Barnsley’s policies are focused on achievable outcomes rather than symbolic labels.
“Our priority will always be delivering common sense policies that put Barnsley residents first.”
More on page 11.
