When Wokingham Borough Council declared a Climate Emergency back in 2019, it was in recognition of the scale of the challenge we face. Since then, important steps have been taken – but the reality is that the emergency has only become more urgent.
The case for action has never been stronger. The Office for Budget Responsibility recently highlighted that the costs of tackling climate change are falling, while the price of doing nothing is rising steeply. Renewable energy is now the cheapest source of power, and the technologies that will help us cut emissions are advancing rapidly. Every delay makes the eventual cost to society higher – both financially and in terms of damage to our homes, health and security. Acting now is not just the right choice for the environment; it’s the most cost-effective path for the country.
Here in Wokingham, we are determined to play our part. I will present the council’s 6th climate emergency progress report to Council this week, which details 71 actions the council is taking across 9 priority areas. Proposals in our Local Plan ensure new development minimises harm to the environment, with higher standards for sustainability and nature protection. We’ve secured funding under the Warm Homes grant, which will help families in both social housing and the private sector make their homes more energy-efficient – keeping people warmer in winter and cooler in summer while cutting bills. And we’ve achieved “Tree City of the World” status, a recognition of our commitment to protecting and enhancing our urban forest. This is more than an award – it’s a framework that helps us manage our trees sustainably, bringing benefits for biodiversity, air quality and wellbeing.
The progress we’ve made is being recognised. In this year’s Council Climate Scorecards, Wokingham Borough recorded one of the biggest improvements among comparable local authorities over the last 2 years. That’s testament to the hard work of council staff, local organisations and community groups, who are working with us to deliver change on the ground.
Of course, the twin climate and nature crises are global challenges – and local action must be matched by national and international leadership. That’s why Liberal Democrats in Parliament have been pushing for stronger laws and policies. We’ve championed the Climate and Nature Bill, which would ensure the UK sets targets in line with the latest science. We’ve succeeded in making solar panels mandatory on new homes, so the housing of tomorrow contributes to a clean energy system. And we’ve successfully campaigned for a much tougher regulator for the polluting water industry.
Safeguarding nature and cutting emissions are not optional extras – they are fundamental to the health, safety and prosperity of future generations. Wokingham is well placed to meet the challenge. We have thriving businesses, outstanding education and a strong sense of community. If we bring these strengths together, I believe we can not only do our part to tackle the climate emergency but also prosper through it – creating a cleaner, fairer and more resilient future for everyone.
By Cllr Katrin Harding
