Climate Emergency Could Be Redeclared On Isle Of Wight

The Isle of Wight Council could redeclare a climate emergency when councillors meet at County Hall this week.

Liberal Democrat councillor Michael Lilley has tabled a motion calling for the authority to reaffirm its 2019 climate emergency declaration, saying the Island has experienced increasing extreme weather, including flooding, torrential rain, landslips and heatwaves.

Cllr Lilley said the impact on residents had been "dramatic and traumatic", pointing to flooding, a rise in sewage discharges after heavy rainfall, homes affected by landslips and the dangers posed by extreme heat.

He said:

"The evidence that human-created climate change is the cause of increasing extreme weather is growing."

The motion also calls on the council to update its climate and environmental strategies and implement adaptation measures recommended by the Climate Change Committee, including protecting people from heat, managing flood risk and avoiding water shortages.

The Liberal Democrats say the council has yet to finalise its Climate and Environment Strategy, despite declaring a climate emergency in 2019 and setting a target of achieving net zero emissions across the Island by 2030.

Cllr Lilley said he hopes councillors from across the political spectrum will support the motion when it is debated at the full council meeting on Wednesday evening.