Thurrock Council drops its commitment to being net zero by 2030
They say they are redefining their goal
Thurrock Council has dropped its commitment to be net zero by 2030 and has rescinded the climate emergency it declared in 2019.
Following a motion at a full council meeting they announced the changes.
Councillor George Monk who put forward the motion said it was "impossible" for the council to "achieve net zero in less than four years."
He said that the council is "choosing to redefine its goal as a continuous reduction in energy costs."
He remarked that the climate emergency declaration led to "unrealistic targets" for the administration.
“While we undoubtedly will seek to reduce energy costs and wastage, we will not be attempting to rebrand it as carbon emissions reductions to fudge figures and hit an unrealistic target.
“It means we can focus on the important work of protecting our environment and, through leadership and working with partners across the borough, we will greatly improve the look of our borough to be maintained for generations to come.”