Agenda item

The Cabinet Member Finance and Sustainability – Councillor Goldberg presented Haringey’s Second Annual Carbon report, which set out very clearly the actions the borough would take in order to reduce carbon emissions in Haringey by 40% by 2020. There was a very clear environmental and economic case for undertaking this work, as the economic cost to the UK, were climate change not addressed, would be severe. It was understood that this was the only report of its kind in the country to a Full Council, and demonstrated, in a transparent way, Haringey’s commitment to this issue. As set out in the report, progress had been made, for example the zero carbon community centre, sustainable investment fund, green light business support and low carbon zone, but there was still much more to do, given the scale of the challenge. Climate change should change the way in which enterprise was thought about, and encourage the consumption of locally-made products, supporting local businesses. Climate change was real, and would continue to have an impact on the UK economy; the case for action was clear. Cllr Goldberg commended the report to Full Council.

Mr Andrew Raingold - Executive Director at Aldersgate Group, addressed the meeting following Cllr Goldberg’s introduction. Representing a diverse group of business and political leaders, Mr Raingold advised that environmental policy, if designed in the right way, was a key driver for the economy, and his group campaigned for policies that would improve companies’ monitoring and managing of their carbon emissions. Being green and economic growth were not mutually exclusive; there was a need to frame what a green economy would look like, and what policies were required in order to achieve it. There were significant risks for the UK economy related to climate change, not least as a result of an increase in commodity prices associated with climate change. At the same time, there were significant economic opportunities around the ambitious targets set for the reduction in carbon emissions; the UK had a trade surplus with its key partners for environmental goods and services, and the industry was a key job creator, but this was a globally competitive market. Consistent policy around this issue was essential in order to deliver further development. Mr Raingold advised that he was delighted to be able to contribute to the Haringey Carbon Commission, which was a positive and ambitious initiative, which brought opportunities to develop the local economy, create jobs, reduce fuel costs and deliver health benefits to the borough, at the same time as reducing emissions.

In response to questions regarding the implementation of EU climate-change legislation at a national level, Mr Raingold advised that there was need for action at an EU-level in order to make climate change legislation effective, as the necessary drivers and policy signals were not currently there.

Councillor Goldberg concluded the debate and thanked Mr Raingold for his presentation. There was a clear case for Haringey to take the lead on this issue, which related to inequality and social justice, as well as environmental and economic concerns. Cllr Goldberg commended the report to Full Council.

The Mayor thanked Mr Raingold for his contribution to the debate.

RESOLVED

i.              that the transparent progress being made by the Council and other organisations, in order to support work towards a 40% carbon reduction target by 2020 and associated local and economic benefits of this activity be noted;

ii.            that the issues and debate raised by the Second annual carbon report be noted and the Council’s full support be given to implementing the recommendations of the Carbon Commission and 40:20 Action Plan; and

iii.           that in endorsing (ii) above this was on the basis that the wide ranging benefits of action on climate change will hit al the Council’s priorities such as jobs and training, health and well being, in addition to environmental considerations.