Tendring urged not to let climate change "gather dust" on people's shelves

People across the area are being encouraged to play their part in tackling climate change

Author: Arlen JamesPublished 30th Jan 2021

A senior councillor has said climate change "should be on everybody's lips" at a Tendring District Council meeting this week.

The authority declared a Climate Emergency in August 2019 and an action plan was adopted in November last year, with the aim of becoming net zero carbon by the end of the decade.

While Councillor Michael Talbot, Cabinet Member for Environment, acknowledged the ongoing work being carried out by the Climate Change Working Party, he's concerned it's fallen down the list of other people's priorities.

He said: "What I said colleagues at the council meeting on Tuesday is that I don't want to see this gather dust on somebody's shelf. It's far too important of a matter to allow that to happen for any of us.

"A while ago Brexit was on everybody's tongue and that's gone now. It pushed other things into the background, but now seriously this must be one of the most important things, an issue that will concern councils up and down the country."

Cllr Talbot also called on council colleagues to raise the issue at town and parish authorities.

Members of the public are also being asked to play their part, and also recognising the "dual benefits" tackling climate change will bring.

He added: "By not putting out noxious emissions from your exhaust pipe, you'll also get exercise from walking and that's making you a better person, it is going to make you a healthier person. We sit down for long enough."

Anyone with ideas on how to address the Climate Emergency in Tendring is asked to contact the council.

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