Following a June that has seen record temperatures broken on a daily basis, the climate crisis is back at the centre of the Isle of Wight Council agenda thanks to a motion moved by Lib Dem Group member Councillor Michael Lilley.
Strategy still not finalised seven years on
Councillor Lilley said,
“In July 2019, seven years ago, Isle of Wight Council declared a climate emergency. In the last seven years, the Isle of Wight has faced extreme heat, torrential rain, soil erosion, landslides, and flooding.
“Now is the time to reconfirm the climate emergency declaration, update all climate change and environmental strategies, and implement climate change adaptions as outlined in the latest report by the National Climate Change Committee.”
Despite declaring a climate emergency in 2019 which stated an aim to achieve zero emissions across the Island by 2030, the Council are still, seven years later, to finalise their Climate and Environment Strategy which will outline the pathway to net zero.
Lilley: Council leader needs a clear mandate
Councillor Lilley continued,
“We’ve been waiting too long for action to be taken on the declaration made in 2019.
“This issue needs to be a priority for the council. In addition, with the recent formation of the Hampshire and Solent County Combined Authority, we feel that it is vital that the leader of the Isle of Wight Council can represent the Island with a clear mandate on the climate crisis.”
Full council to debate the motion on 15th July
The motion will be debated at the full council meeting on Wednesday 15th July 2026. Follow online or attend in person from 6pm.
News shared by Mark on behalf of Isle of Wight LibDems. Ed
