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Councillors Call for a Good COP for Norfolk

28 October 2021

Councillors Call for a Good COP for Norfolk

Green Party city and county councillors have written to Norfolk council leaders and Members of Parliament asking them to take seven actions which are essential if the county is going to play its part in the necessary reduction of carbon emissions.

The actions, which Green councillors say need to be taken urgently, are to declare a climate and biodiversity emergency; stop building new roads; make the bus, walking and cycling the first choice for everyday activities; ensure that all homes are fit for the future;green our urban areas; engage with communities and provide consistent leadership in the fight against climate change.

Councillor Denise Carlo said:

“While some Norfolk councils are beginning to take action, not enough is yet being done to keep us anywhere close to the Paris threshold of 1.5﮿C of warming. Norfolk is a county that’s extremely vulnerable to climate change and, as a county, we need to take the threats and dangers seriously. We need to act now.

“We have written to the leaders of all local authorities in Norfolk and to all the MPs. We urge them to take the actions suggested. Most people want action to be taken to tackle climate change and politicians have a responsibility to deliver whatever’s necessary to keep their constituents safe.”

Green members of Norwich City and Norfolk County Councils will be congregating on Carrow Bridge on Friday to share their hopes and fears for Norwich, Norfolk and the planet, two days before the start of COP26 in Glasgow.

The councillors and other climate activists will be looking at parts of Norwich which are set to be developed. Near to the bridge are recently-built dwellings which are likely to need retrofitting as well as the Norwich East development site. Green councillors hope that this development will be zero-carbon. The area also has a high risk of flooding.

Councillor Carlo added:

“Norwich, and all planning authorities in Norfolk, have an opportunity to build new low-carbon housing which is fit for the future. If this opportunity is wasted, new development will raise the city’s carbon emissions in an unsustainable, old-fashioned way which we can no longer afford.”

Photo Opportunity:

Friday 29th November, 12.00 midday, Carrow Bridge: Green councillors and activists will be

on Carrow Bridge, discussing COP26 and what it could mean for Norfolk.

Further information from:

Councillor Denise Carlo                      t. 01603 504563          e. d.carlo@cllr.norwich.gov.uk