GET THE BIGGEST STORIES FROM ACROSS SOMERSET STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX SIGN UP Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Somerset West and Taunton Council could soon declare a 'climate emergency' after a wave of environmental protests.

Green Party councillor David Mansell has tabled a motion to declare the action at a meeting at Shire Hall on Thursday evening (February 21).

The motion, supported by the Liberal Democrats, hopes to urge the shadow council to reduce carbon emissions in the Taunton and West Somerset area and become carbon neutral by 2030.

Mr Mansell has stated the increasing earth's temperature is "already having serious environmental, economic and social impacts" across the world.

(Image: Daniel Mumby)

He believes with increasing temperatures, its subsequent impacts will "escalate" beyond "tipping points and becoming irreversible".

A description on the agenda document states: "Options and choices exist to reduce carbon emissions from human activities, including our energy generation and use, transport, business and industry, waste generation, food consumption and land use; but these options are not being adopted and introduced quickly enough.

"To avoid the worst impacts of global warming and climate change, carbon emissions need to be reduced as rapidly and quickly as possible.

"Individuals cannot be expected to make the reductions necessary on their own.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

"Society needs to change its infrastructure, incentives, regulations and taxation to make low carbon living easier and a common social norm.

"Climate action can deliver wider economic and social benefits in terms of improved health and well-being, new jobs, savings and market opportunities.

"There is a need to build on strategies and plans previously adopted by Taunton Deane Borough Council and West Somerset Council and to take these further."

This motion is supported by councillors Simon Coles, Stuart Dowding, Eddie Gaines, Jefferson Horsley, Peter Pilkington, Nicholas Thwaites and Gwil Wren.

If approved the council, the authority will follow Frome Town Council who previously declared a climate emergency and aims to be fossil fuel free by 2030.

Mr Mansell's motion comes with seven recommendations.

To declare a climate emergency. Make Somerset West and Taunton carbon neutral by 2030 To call on the government to provide guidance and the powers and resources to make carbon neutrality possible by writing to local MPs and ministers To develop a 'Carbon Neutrality and Climate Resilience' plan starting from July 2019, with a cross party working group and the necessary officer support to assist with investigative work, drafting the plan and the delivery of early projects. To report to council before the end of 2019 with costed proposals for projects for the Council to effectively start addressing the climate emergency. These include provisions for cycling, walking, public transport, providing electric car charging points in car parks, utilise renewable energy sources and reduce use of fossil fuels. The project also aims to waste reduction and create more efficient recycling services in the area. A specialist officer will be appointed to oversee the 'Carbon Neutrality and Climate Resilience' plan. To provide an annual review and update of the plan thereafter. To allow a provisional budget of £75,000 to be allocated to allow this work, including early projects agreed by the working group, to be undertaken either through resources already available or through commissioning.

Former Wells MP and Liberal Democrat county councillor, Tessa Munt, is also going to call upon Somerset County Council to declare a climate emergency at a full meeting tomorrow (Wednesday, February 20).

Protests calling for action on climate change have been occurring recently in Somerset as pupils across the county left schools.

Extinction Rebellion have held two high profile events in Glastonbury and Yeovil where hundreds of campaigners marched through the town centres.

Got a Bridgwater, Taunton or West Somerset story to share? Get in touch: michael.taylor@reachplc.com, tweet @JournoMikeT or call 01935 709742.

Want more news?

To keep up to date with our latest news, follow us on Facebook and Twitter

For more Taunton news, like our Facebook page

Find our Bath Facebook page here or Somerset's can be found here

Alternatively, follow us on Twitter - @BathLive and @SomersetLive