Issue - meetings

CABINET MEMBER – COUNCILLOR DYFRIG SIENCYN

An update on what the Council is currently doing to meet the challenges of climate change and nature and other steps that are practical for the Council to act on in future.

To accept the report and note the observations received.

An update was presented by the Council Leader reporting on what the Council was doing in response to climate change and nature challenges and other practical steps the Council could implement in the future. 

It was reported that the Cabinet had adopted the Climate and Nature Emergency Plan (compiled by a task force established by the Cabinet - Climate Change Board) on 8 March 2022. It was noted that the Climate Change Board included Cabinet Members and Chief Officers and more recently the Biodiversity Champion and a representative from the Communities Scrutiny Committee had been invited to be standing members of the Board. 

It was explained that the Emergency Plan was led by the Head of the Environment Department, however, there was a responsibility on every Council department to implement the plan together with contributions from the County's communities.  It was highlighted that a comment had been made that there was no reference to Pension Fund investments, and a response had been received from the Head of the Finance Department noting that significant steps had been made in the investment field although the Fund had no direct control of the investment.

It was noted that the challenge was to attain a net zero target by 2030.  It was accepted that there were challenging steps to be undertaken, however, the Council was determined to reach the target set by the Welsh Government. The Environment Department Head highlighted that the plan was a document that was being developed and adapted regularly and it was noted that there were two phases to the plan:  Phase 1 was the current plan that included establishing an appropriate procedure and the steps the Council proposes to take to change the services it provides directly. Phase 2 will be presented following a consultation process and will include more information about the Council's intention to advise and support activities in the community on issues, e.g. buildings and energy, land use and management, recycling, flood zones. 

Thanks were expressed for the report and the Board was thanked for extending the membership.  It was proposed that consideration should be given to inviting Arfon and Dwyfor-Meirionnydd representatives from the Welsh Youth Parliament to be members of the Climate Change Board.  The Leader noted that he would present the proposal to the Board.

During the discussion, the following observations were submitted by members:-

·         There was an opportunity for Gwynedd Council to lead the way by influencing and delivering the plan effectively. 

·         There was a need to encourage the third sector and the private sector to consider similar adaptations.

·         It would be beneficial to have a cost and benefit analysis to demonstrate how much money could be saved alongside with the reduction in carbon emissions. By noting a close percentage in terms of impact it would be possible to encourage the third sector and private individuals.

·         It was possible to identify buildings where a ground heating system could be introduced.

·         Would consideration be given to investment in solar hot water systems together  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6