Agenda item

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 with investing in PV (Photovoltaic) systems to reduce carbon footprint?

·         There was a need to undertake a survey based on carbon from buildings and vehicles.

·         There was a need to consider alternative technology, e.g. nuclear, hydrogen.   Germany invests in renewable hydrogen projects, generated by water.

In response to a question regarding electricity and the source of the electricity supply, considering the existing fuel crisis and the impact of the War in Ukraine, and what is the Council's stance regarding using nuclear energy (green), it was noted that discussions were undertaken with external bodies regarding the site of the Trawsfynydd power-station and the possibility of seeing a development that would provide electricity there.  It was added that renewable energy schemes such as water and the sea should be considered, however, a substantial boost was required from the Government to lead on this.  Despite the desire to see Gwynedd adopting new technology and benefiting from resources and the experience that already exists in Trawsfynydd and Bangor University, the Welsh and Westminster Governments would make the final decision regarding this.  In response by a Member to the comment regarding nuclear energy, the need was noted to consider the hazards of nuclear technology for future generations and the need for care when considering suitable locations for nuclear stations.

In response to using hydrogen, it was highlighted that there were exciting plans involving transportation in the North which were a part of the Growth Deal with ideas within the hydrogen field, that will be key in the future, being discussed in the Economic Ambition Board.

In response to a question if financial support would be available for communities to adapt buildings. purchase new environmentally-friendly equipment, etc., it was accepted that the existing financial pressure was a concern, however, the intention was that the Council, during phase two of the plan, had a consultative role of raising awareness, giving advice to communities, sharing information about possible grants or referring to other agencies that offer support.

The observations were appreciated. It was noted that the Board was open to all ideas and suggestions, however, the challenge was to interpret all the information available and to discuss with the communities that wish to act.  Accepting the desire to save money when delivering some of the plans, it was anticipated that the Emergency Plan would have costs - as a result it was expressed that £3m had been earmarked for this.

RESOLVED

·         To accept the report and note the observations received.

The Chair took the opportunity to thank all the members for their hard work and to the officers for their support. Best wishes were extended to those Elected Members who were retiring and they were thanked for their valuable contributions to the Council.  Best wishes were also extended to those Members returning to the Council and to those standing for election.