Step 3:
Declare a Climate & Nature Emergency
Many parish and town councils across England have taken the bold step of declaring a climate and nature emergency. This declaration is a vital first step in acknowledging the urgency of the situation and committing to meaningful action. A formal declaration signals to residents, businesses, and higher tiers of government that the council is serious about addressing the climate and ecological crisis and is willing to take urgent and sustained action. As of the latest figures, hundreds of local councils in the UK have declared a climate emergency. Each council's approach varies, but the shared goal is to take decisive steps toward sustainability and resilience.
Pass a Council Motion
Declaring a climate and nature emergency requires formal commitment through a council motion, which should be introduced at an ordinary or extraordinary council meeting.
The motion must include:
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Acknowledgement of the Climate and Nature Emergency: Recognising the severity of the crisis and its impact on local communities and ecosystems.
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Commitment to Action: Defining clear, achievable actions that the council will take in response, such as developing an action plan or integrating sustainability into all council decisions.
Example Wording:
"This council recognises that the ongoing climate and ecological crisis poses a serious threat to life on this planet. Urgent action is required at all levels of government, including local councils, to minimise harm and build resilience. Delays in implementing effective solutions will only lead to greater environmental and social consequences. By declaring a climate and nature emergency, we commit to taking meaningful steps to reduce emissions, protect biodiversity, and support our community in adapting to a changing climate."
Key Elements of a Strong Motion
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Referencing authoritative reports such as the IPCC Special Report on Climate Change to support the urgency of the declaration.
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Highlighting similar declarations by other councils to show widespread recognition and support.
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Acknowledging what has already been done and identifying areas for further improvement.
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Setting measurable goals for emissions reduction, biodiversity enhancement, and community engagement.
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Encouraging other councils and higher levels of government to take similar action.
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Ensuring a role for residents and local businesses in shaping the response.
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Embedding climate and nature goals within broader planning frameworks, such as Neighbourhood Development Plans (NDPs).
Make an Emergency Announcement
Once the motion is passed, councils should make a public statement to highlight their commitment and engage the community. This could include:
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Issuing a press release to local media.
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Announcing the declaration on the council’s website and social media channels.
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Writing to the district or county council to urge collaborative action.
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Hosting a public event to discuss what the declaration means for the community.
For the council to be recognised on the Cedamia Climate Emergency Declaration List, the declaration must explicitly reference a “climate emergency” (or both a climate and nature emergency)
Commitment to Action
Declaring an emergency is just the beginning. The real challenge lies in following through with concrete actions. A successful response should include:
Create a Working Group
Establish a climate and nature emergency working group or advisory committee to oversee implementation and ensure accountability. The group should include councillors, local experts, and community representatives.
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Include a mix of councillors and community members who care about climate change and environmental issues.
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Invite representatives from local climate action groups, schools, businesses, and environmental organisations.
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Promote the opportunity for residents to get involved through newsletters, social media, and community meetings.
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Develop a Climate Resilience Policy
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Develop a Biodiversity Policy
Download our model terms of reference for a Climate Action Working Group
Revise the Council Plan
Amend existing council strategies and policies to prioritise climate and nature considerations in all decision-making processes. This may include updating procurement policies, waste management strategies, and infrastructure planning.
Allocate Resources
Commit time, funding, and personnel to ensure meaningful progress. Remember, resources don’t always refer to financial investment but can include social, emotional, and human capital.
Develop a Climate Action Plan
Create a detailed plan that outlines how the council will address climate and nature challenges, setting clear targets and timelines. This should align with countywide initiatives, such as those found on the Greener Gloucestershire Climate Dashboard.
Sign Up for Training
Educate staff and councillors on the implications of the emergency declaration and ensure that all decisions consider environmental impact. Training opportunities, such as GAPTC’s The Power of Local Climate and Biodiversity Action training and the Carbon Literacy Project, can be valuable in building capacity.
Review Policies & Expenditure
Evaluate existing policies to identify areas for improvement and align council spending with climate and biodiversity goals. Redirecting funds to support sustainable projects should be prioritised.
A dedicated working group ensures that climate and nature initiatives are effectively implemented. This group should bring together passionate individuals, including councillors, community members, and local experts, to drive action and monitor progress.