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This from XR Ventnor in relation to the UKOG planning application for exploratory oil wells. Ed
XR Ventnor have read through the 108 pages that the IW Planning Department are putting forward to Isle of Wight councillors this coming Tuesday (19th October), and note that there are significant omissions.
The Planning Department recommendations have not included any worldwide scientific reports that have been issued this year, in the face of worsening flooding instances, fires, and increasing crop failures.
Recorded facts, measured over years
There is no mention of the IPCC report dated 9th August, issued globally, with the stark warning that these times are Code Red for Humanity.
Thousands of scientists internationally have stated that we need deep cuts in global emissions immediately if we have any hope of staving off the worst effects of catastrophic climate change. This isn’t based on politics, this is based on recorded facts, measured over years.
The Isle of Wight Planning Authority have omitted the glaringly obvious elephant in the room which is the effects that fossil fuels do have (not can have, as stated in section 8.2) on greenhouse gas emissions.
Abhorrently neglectful to all life
This flies in the face of all of the other green initiatives being launched by the council for Islanders to live a less carbon intensive lifestyle.
To say that the economic benefits outweigh the potential damage this would cause not just locally, but globally, is in the opinion of those who care about the climate crisis, abhorrently neglectful to all life.
The Planning Department are not separate from the Isle of Wight Council, just as the Isle of Wight is not separate from the Earth. We are all connected.
Environmental protections already being failed
The report refers back to guidance from the Environment Agency, the National Planning Policy Framework, Governmental white papers issues regarding our use of fossil fuels and the arbitrary target of 2050.
This report give credence to Government departments that are already failing the Island’s environmental protections that are needed, such as sewerage dumping in the surrounding coastline.
Increase in housebuilding
These departments are also working on increasing housebuilding, when locally the issue is more that housing is seen as more of a commodity rather than homes to live in.
These are all Government departments that are not tackling the issues that we all face.
Call for Citizens’ Assembly
XR Ventnor would have liked to have seen a Citizens’ Assembly to decide the outcome of drilling on the Island.
To ignore the dire warnings that Island residents are taking their time to write, in opposition, potentially further diminishes the trust that Islanders have in the Isle of Wight Council.
Number of objections
The report mentions ‘many objectors’ several times, but never specifies the amount of objectors that have raised valid concerns. ‘Many’ could be four or it could be 1,000.
The recommendation states that the number of objectors is irrelevant. Why should this be? 1,000 objections on one issue lends gravitas to that issue.
Move all Net Zero goalposts back to 2030
XR Ventnor note that the original Climate Emergency which was passed in July 2019 gave the net zero target of 2030 for the Island.
XR Ventnor respectfully request that the Isle of Wight Council adhere to this original target, instead of moving it on to 2040 Islandwide in October 2021.
XR Ventnor suggest that the IW Council holds Peoples’ Assemblies to ascertain what they feel the IW council should prioritise in reducing emissions.
