What is a Climate Emergency?

In June 2019 the United Kingdom became the first country in the world to declare a climate emergency, the declaration indicated that the UK would attempt to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions completely by 2050 and push for a zero-waste economy in the future. As a result of this, Walmer Town Council declared a Climate Change Emergency at a Full Council Meeting in July 2019.

In 2019, when Walmer council declared a Climate Emergency, it was the same year when the UK govt, KCC, DDC cabinet and many higher level councils and local community councils nationally also made climate emergency declarations. These declarations were commitments to cutting carbon emissions and supporting their communities to cut emissions too, some by 2025, some by 2030, some by 2050. Cutting emissions goes hand in hand with cutting energy bills, and becoming better able to cope with extreme weather events.

When agreeing to the declaration of Climate Emergency, Walmer Council cited the considerable measures the council had already done to address many of these issues, and also pledged to:

• Make Walmer Town Council carbon neutral by 2025. 
• Ringfence initially £750 from unallocated funds to achieve this.
• Task the Amenity & Environment Committee with the responsibility of creating by March 2020 a carbon audit and roadmap on how to achieve the objectives.
• Task the Amenity & Environment Committee with including environmental impact assessments in officer reports, highlighting in particular the impact on direct and indirect CO2 emissions.
• Task the Amenity & Environment Committee with assisting other organisations in the Town to reduce their direct and indirect CO2 emissions in conjunction with specialist advice from Dover District and Kent County Council officers.

 

Climate Emergency Working Group

By June 2020 a Climate Emergency Working Group was set up specifically to work on Climate Emergency issues. Originally set up of six councillors, the working group got to work, contacted local nature groups, schools and set up terms of reference and priorities Many tasks were completed within the first year of the Working Group’s existence.

Reordered a carbon audit in March 2020 led to changes in Walmer Town Council operations. Measures were taken to ensure that a reduction on carbon use (and energy costs) would be included in the day to day running of the council:

Other Measures taken 2020 – 2023 :-

 

• When the office electricity contract went up for renewal (Christmas 2021) the Town Council switched electricity supplier to a company that generates 100% sustainable electricity, not just trades in it or has a mix. (Completed)
• WPC started to monitor energy use within its building by electricity monitor or smart meter. (Completed)
• Office Paper Usage – all paper now recycled (Completed)
• Single use plastic review and reduction (Completed)
• Ethical banking and investment review (Completed)
• Sustainable Transport policy: Councillor travelling to meetings / events should prioritise walking, cycling, public transport, car sharing or EV. (Completed)
• Collaboration with SouthEasternRail to install a secure cycle hub at Walmer Station: WTC share of cost £6000: (Opened July 2023)
• Review of meat-free catering at Council events (Completed)
• Explore possibilities of installation of solar PV panels on Walmer Town Council office. (Assessment Completed: currently under review)

 

 

From 2023 

The Climate Emergency Working Group (CEWG) requires of a minimum of three Councillors to function. In May 2025 it consists of four councillors. Invited environmental experts and representatives from the local community are also invited to meetings.

 

Walmer Town Council CEWG Terms of reference from 2024

• Assist Walmer Town Council in becoming a carbon-neutral organisation by 2025 (revised in 2024 to 2027).
• Explore the means to assist other organisations in Walmer to reduce their direct and indirect CO2 and other emissions, in conjunction with specialist officers of Dover District and Kent County Councils and with other bodies.
• Encourage use and provision of electric vehicles - both private and public transport.
• Encourage walking and cycling as an alternative to driving and for health benefits.
• Encourage sustainable energy use and reduce consumption of energy overall.
• Share information with residents on how to reduce their carbon footprint and save money.
• Encourage a reduction in use of plastics, maximise recycling and use materials efficiently overall.
• Promote home and business energy efficiency.
• Protect, conserve and enhance the natural environment and biodiversity (including coastal waters and beach).
• Encourage zero carbon sustainable building projects and developments in Walmer and the wider district.
• Promote a Local Nature Recovery Strategy in Walmer wherever practicable, in conjunction with specialist officers of Dover District and Kent County Councils and with other bodies.
• Liaise with other local councils and with Dover District Council in particular, through the medium of the new (2024) DDC Climate and Nature Forum.
• To cooperate with other appropriate local and national bodies to fulfil the Working Group Terms of Reference.