Lancaster councillors urge 100 per cent clean energy by 2050

Councillors Kevin Frea and Darren Clifford have proposed a motion that seeks to join a global movement towards a sustainable energy future by exceeding the Paris Climate targets.

The motion proposes matching the ambitions of the UK100 Agreement, which would include developing a “route map” to a sustainable future, “working with the business, educational and residential communities of Lancaster and Morecambe as part of an integrated approach to a shared sustainable future”.

The UK100 is a network of local government leaders, which seeks to devise and implement plans for the transition to clean energy that are ambitious, cost effective and take the public and business with them. It supports decision-makers in UK towns, cities and rural areas in their transition to 100 per cent clean energy by 2050.

It is the only network for UK local authorities focused solely on climate and clean energy policy.

The leaders made the commitment as part of the momentum around the Paris Agreement in 2015, reflecting the leadership shown by mayors globally on climate change and clean energy. Turning those commitments into reality is the goal of the network.

The Paris Agreement’s long-term goal is to keep the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels; and to limit the increase to 1.5°C, since this would substantially reduce the risks and effects of climate change.

The motion is due to be discussed at a full council meeting on Thursday July 19, at Lancaster Town Hall.