11 March 2020
It’s nearly a year since our Climate and Ecological Emergency motion was passed by Mendip District Council with cross-party support, and nine months since the District elections which saw the Conservatives lose control and tumble from 31 to 10 councillors. Greens went from 3 to 10. Now the Lib Dems control Mendip with the help of a few independents.
Mendip now has two new portfolios: a Climate and Ecological Emergency Group (CEEG) and the Local Plan and Planning Policy aiming to green up planning regulations. Every new policy has to make clear its effect on climate change. A new sustainability officer has come into post and every six months there will be reports back to the Full Council. Our new Green councillors have positions on all committees and so will have a greater say in the future of Saxonvale and other planning matters. Whilst we may have some national policy differences with the Lib Dems and will probably come to blows over the proposed Glastonbury bypass, we have common purpose regarding climate change and look forward to progressing these policies in Mendip. As leader of the Green group I have a place on the Phoenix Board, which is responsible for making investments. We hope to move away from property in favour of sustainable energy production.
In the Green Party, we believe that climate change is the greatest issue of our time. Since the IPCC report calling for net zero emissions by 2030, the schools climate strike and Extinction Rebellion have caused the political landscape to change massively. More and more people are taking on board the severity of the climate situation, and the threat of extinction to millions of species, including humans, is becoming more widely accepted and understood. It's good to remember that a Green future will be more equal, affordable and healthy for individuals and communities. We have much to lose and everything to gain.
Cllr Shane Collins
Frome Keyford ward
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