DUMFRIES and Galloway Council needs to get serious about tackling climate change by setting up a committee that’s dedicated to reaching net zero targets.
This is the message from Annandale East and Eskdale Councillor Archie Dryburgh, who wants to see the local authority lead the way on reducing its carbon footprint.
He hopes this will send a message to companies big and small, as well as housing associations and other organisations, about their responsibility to the environment.
Councillor Dryburgh, leader of the Labour Group, will table a motion at this week’s council meeting on the issue.
Seconded by Dee and Glenkens Councillor Dougie Campbell, it reads: “Dumfries and Galloway Council agree to establish a climate and environment sub committee to enable ongoing and effective scrutiny of progress toward our net zero carbon targets and, environmental protection activity.”
In 2019 the council declared a climate emergency, set up a working group to tackle climate change locally, and had high ambitions of reducing its carbon remissions to net zero by 2025.
However, this target was found to be unachievable and delayed by 15 years to 2040 earlier this year.
Despite the time extension, the councillors insist the council must not lose momentum. A new sub-committee dedicated to this issue, rather than a talk shop, would ensure decisions are taken swiftly.
Councillor Dryburgh said: “We have a cross party working group, but that’s not a decision-making body and limits our progress to get to net zero.
“We want to make sure there’s a bit of power behind what’s been agreed upon at the working group, and making everything more formal.
“This sub committee of the full council will help to ensure we can reach our net zero ambitions within the new agreed timeframe.
“Although the original date of 2025 was unachievable, it certainly got minds focused.
“The intention is for this sub-committee to be an example and influence other organisations, such as registered social landlords, and companies across the region to play their part.”
