CONCERN has been raised Warwickshire County Council’s climate change plan does not go far enough.
The council’s cabinet recently approved the report before it goes to a full council meeting on February 19 where, if given the green light, it will be put into action.
But Green Party county councillor Jonathan Chilvers says while it addresses some important issues, the plan – which the council aims to have completed by 2030 – needs to be stronger to address the climate emergency.
He said: “This report has some good work, but does not truly grasp the nettle.
“Tackling climate change requires leadership and difficult decisions on energy, transport and waste that Warwickshire County Council (WCC) has not yet taken.
Compared to councils like Birmingham and Warwick district, Warwickshire risks being left behind. Therefore I’m pushing for a plan with real costed commitments within the next six months.”
The council’s plan includes using more renewable energies including making all corporate council buildings carbon neutral, creating solar farms, making all street lights low energy and carrying out energy and heating efficiency improvements to buildings.
It will also use low emission zones, congestion charges, parking restrictions, and hopes to increase use of public transport.
Food waste will also be separately collected by 2023, and it aims to be in line with 60 per cent of household waste being recycled by 2030.
But WCC says changes are already being made, including securing £10million in funding to improve cycle routes and developing a rail plan in a bid to improve future use of public transport.
