Members of a local council have unanimously declared a climate emergency.

Although Neath Port Talbot Council has previously agreed to support the Welsh Government’s climate emergency declaration, a Notice of Motion by the Wales Green Party’s Cllr Nathan Goldup-John that the council should do so in its own right, was passed by a full meeting of the council.

Under the Notice of Motion, the council has announced that it is now committed to:

  • Calling on the UK and Welsh governments to provide the necessary powers and resources to ensure Neath Port Talbot becomes carbon neutral by 2030
  • Publicising the climate emergency
  • Working with relevant experts in research and development in reviewing its current strategies and action plans for addressing climate change
  • Identifying any further necessary policy changes or actions, seeking help from local partners and other research bodies to explain local what local work is already underway, achievements already made and setting targets for the future
  • Updating on further work undertaken by the council in this area on an annual basis

Cllr Goldup-John said about the situation: “The declaration of climate emergency on behalf of the whole of Neath Port Talbot Council should be something we embrace regardless of party. It time we demand change, not just for our generation but for our children, our grandchildren and all those who follow.

“The clock is ticking on the time of fossil fuels so let’s not be those fools who rest on the inaction of others but rather chart an enhanced renewable course for Neath Port Talbot.”

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Cllr Jeremy Hurley, Neath Port Talbot Council’s cabinet member for climate change and wellbeing, told the meeting: “Despite not previously declaring a climate emergency, the council has been actively developing a plan to allow it to transition to net zero carbon emissions by 2030.”

The Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Cllr Stephen Hunt said afterwards: “This council is committed to tackling climate change and it is particularly important that the declaration of climate emergency has been approved by all parties.”