This week, Shetland Climate Action will present a petition to a full council meeting of Shetland Island Council urging the recognition of the seriousness of the climate crisis.
Shetland Islands Council could be set to declare a climate emergency
Following the global climate strikes last September, which saw thousands of young people and adults take to the streets to urge action on the climate crisis, the Scottish Government declared a climate emergency. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called it a ‘public promise’ to cut carbon emissions and act on global warming. The Scottish Government is not alone. Over 90 councils across the UK- 15 of them Scottish- have declared a climate emergency. But Shetland Islands Council is not one of them - yet. Grassroots group Shetland Climate Action will this week present a petition urging Shetland Islands Council (SIC) to provide a clear signal of the seriousness of the climate crisis by declaring a Climate Emergency, and RSPB Scotland supports them.
Human-made climate change is the biggest threat to both nature and people. An increase in global temperatures will lead to severe impacts like species extinctions, increased air pollution, decreased access to natural resources and the displacement of people by drought or sea level rise.
Shetland Climate Action will present a petition with over 500 signatures to a full council meeting of Shetland Island Council 22 January. They will urge the council to not only reduce their own emissions, but to also take the lead to encourage partners and residents to reduce theirs.
Shetland Climate Action formed last year to organise a Climate Strike in Lerwick, which saw over 200 Shetlanders gather to call for greater climate action. The group is an example of how local people are leading the way in mitigating climate change and saving nature.
Declaring a climate emergency is just the first step in a series of “Shetland-specific solutions” that include an action plan, a target date for net zero emissions, and greater engagement by the council with the public on issues like these. They note, “Declaring a climate emergency won’t solve the climate crisis alone but what this moment can do is clarify the Councillors’ commitment to act. We recognise the carbon reductions that the Council has made in recent years, however Shetland requires a much greater sense of urgency - the longer we leave it, the harder it will be to transition to a greener, cleaner community”.
Update: On January 22, the Shetland Island Council (SIC) have formally recognised the global climate emergency. They further agreed to a statement that "the evidence is irrefutable and the science is clear. Action is required. As a council we must demonstrate the community leadership". RSPB is hopeful that positive action for nature and the climate are forthcoming on Shetland, and we will continue to advocate for such through our work. Further questions about Shetland Island Council can be referred to campaigns.scotland@rspb.org.uk.