Agenda item - Net Zero & Climate Adaptation in Brighton & Hove

31.1    The Notice of Motion as listed in the agenda was proposed by Councillor Rowkins on behalf of the Labour Group and formally seconded by Councillor Winder.

31.2    Councillor Hill moved an amendment on behalf of the Green Group which was formally seconded by Councillor Sykes.

31.3    Councillors Meadows and Earthey spoke on the matter

31.4    Councillor Rowkins responded to the debate and did not accept the amendment.

31.5    The mayor put the amendment to the vote and confirmed that it had been lost.

31.6    The mayor put the motion to the vote and confirmed that it had been carried.

RESOLVED:

This Council notes:

1)    The work undertaken to accelerate the city’s progress to Net Zero, including large scale rooftop solar generation, nation-leading EV charging, the development of a Strategic Energy Partnership to fund and deliver the decarbonisation project pipeline.

2)    That city’s leadership in the establishment of Sussex Energy to achieve zero carbon energy for the whole of Sussex by 2040 and the importance of this work continuing.

3)    That the UK recently recorded its hottest June day on record, with temperatures reaching 37.3°C, and that heatwaves are becoming more frequent, longer-lasting and more intense as a result of climate change

4)    That climate change is already affecting residents in Brighton & Hove through overheating, pressure on health and care services, disruption to transport and public services, impacts on schools and workplaces, and increased risks to vulnerable people.

5)    The work done to date on climate adaptation, including the Climate Risk & Vulnerability Assessment and the Climate and Nature Action Plan.

This Council resolves to:

1)    Request officers to explore creating and maintaining a publicly accessible "Cool Spaces" map, identifying libraries, community hubs, parks, public buildings and other locations where residents can find respite during periods of extreme heat;

2)    Requests officers to review actions from the Climate Risk & Vulnerability Assessment and Climate & Nature Action Plan and consider whether a standalone action plan focused on increasing resilience to heat is required;

3)    Request officers to explore the establishment of a Heatwave Partnership, bringing together the council, NHS, universities, schools, housing providers, emergency services, community groups and businesses to coordinate preparedness and response.