London Assembly gives support to proposed Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill

Energy & Climate Change

In the weeks after COP26 many are looking for definitive signs that the UK is continuing to put momentum behind mechanisms that the support the Paris Agreement’s goal to limit global warming to below 1.5°C.

And the news that the London Assembly yesterday put its support behind the proposed Climate and Ecological Emergency (CEE) Bill could be one such sign.

This Private Members’ Bill wants to make it a requirement that the UK reduce greenhouse gas emissions consistent with limiting global heating to 1.5°C, among a number of other climate action calls.

Read full details of the CEE Bill here.

Assembly Member Zack Polansk , who proposed the motion said:

“The CEE Bill puts in place the strong and decisive action needed to reverse the climate and ecological crisis.

“Assembly support for this sends a message to the Government that the UK must play its fair and proper role in reducing greenhouse gas and protecting and restoring biodiverse habitats.

“We can make sure London leads the way, just like the Assembly did in 2018 by urging the Mayor to declare a climate emergency.

“As chair of C40 Cities, and a supporter of UK100’s Net Zero Pledge, the Mayor can and should support this motion.”

Assembly Member Leonie Cooper, who seconded the motion said:

“Getting the CEE Bill through Parliament will be a vital initial step towards the UK meeting its obligations on tackling the climate emergency.

“This is precisely the type of action we need on the back of COP26 and it would commit our country to clamping down on harmful emissions, protecting and boosting biodiversity and hitting our targets on decarbonisation.

“The Mayor has been leading by example when it comes to showing the world that cities should be at the forefront of addressing climate change and I now hope he will use his platform and influence to support the Bill.”

First developed with members of the 'Big Ask' campaign (a Friends of the Earth initiative which led to the Climate Change Act 2008), not-for-profit organisation Power for People and with contributions from leading scientists, academics and lawyers the CEE Bill officially launched in August 2020.

Now led by campaign group Zero Hour the Bill was first introduced to parliament in September 2020, with an updated version introduced to parliament in June 2021.

It has already received backing from 110 MPs across eight political parties, representing England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, including Green Party leader Caroline Lucas MP.

This is in addition to 151 councils, 257 organisations and high-profile figures including broadcaster, writer and adventurer Ben Fogle and human rights and environmental activist Kumi Naidoo (director, Greenpeace International, 2009-16).

Read more:

2050 net zero and adapting for 1.5C global heating isn’t enough: CIWEM declares climate and ecological emergency

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