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1/12/07 : Council moves on climate challenge
As the Bali conference on climate challenge gets under way, here in Reading the Labour Council is already responding to the challenge, and is gathering together an expert group to advise on what more can be done locally.
Following the move to run buses on the 17 route, one of the best patronised routes in the country, on bioethanol (not imported but sourced from East Anglia) the Council is also starting a major programme to replace street lights across the town with lights that will be energy efficient and minimise light pollution. Up to £500,000 is being allocated to improve street lighting this financial year.
And the Council is setting up a a Climate Challenge Partnership Group to:
Provide an overall steer to the Reading 2020 Partnership and individual partners in responding to climate change
Champion local climate change awareness and action
Encourage innovative responses to climate change that will take into account economic, social and environmental impacts
Identify strategic and practical project responses to: reduce greenhouse emissions; ensure the local community is resilient to likely impacts; address social and geographical inequalities associated with climate change.
Among the organisations which are to be invited to joinn the Group are Berkshire West Primary Care Trust, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Reading University, Reading UK CIC, Reading Friends of the Earth, Youth Cabinet, the Federation of Small Businesses and larger Reading firms such as Prudential.
Steve Waite, Labour's Lead Councillor for Environment, says: ''The Council itself is committed to an extensive 'carbon reduction' program: we're putting our own house in order and planning for a more sustainable future.
''However, this issue is much bigger than just the Council and we need our partners to play a full part. This new Group will coordinate Reading's response to the challenge and provide a framework for effective borough-wide energy reduction initiatives.''
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