Council to become climate change signatory

Councillors today approved Environment Southland becoming a signatory to the Local Government Leaders’ Climate Change Declaration.

In July 2017, Local Government New Zealand launched the Local Government Position Statement on Climate Change and the Local Government Leaders’ Climate Change Declaration. These two documents set out local government’s position and commitments for responding to climate change.

Over 40 councils have signed up so far including Southland’s district and city councils. Chairman Nicol Horrell said it is good to see local government become more proactive on climate change. “I’m keen to see local government work more closely with central government to shape the national direction on this. It’s such an important issue that we need a unified approach.”

A report by Local Government NZ published in July concluded that almost any local government role or responsibility is in some way affected by climate change or can impact on climate change outcomes. It outlines three components for climate change actions: actions to reduce emissions, planning and actions to support public safety and effective adaption, and limiting or removing pressure on systems affected by climate change.

ENDS

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