Climate change to be included in all council decision making
Councillors have unanimously agreed that an assessment of climate change implications would be included for consideration in reports to the council.
Chair Russ Rimmington, who described the move as ground-breaking, says councillors make important decisions that have far-reaching implications for the region’s environment, its economy and communities.
“Climate change is the biggest challenge we have coming at us and it affects a wide range of our activities, infrastructure and services. We need to know where we can reduce our emissions and understand our options for adapting to whatever climate change throws at us.
The framework will be used for all decisions on investment in infrastructure and assets, community and corporate services, and access to natural and physical resources and space.
Council reports will need to include a brief summary of how climate change has been considered in relation to reducing greenhouse gases and increasing community resilience, and what the council might do to reduce emissions or build greater resilience.