Proposed by Councillor Draeyk van der Horn, Wednesday’s motion marks the first time a council in Scotland has backed the Climate and Nature Bill.
Carrying the full support of the council, the motion passed without a vote – marking the 196th council across the UK to back the Climate & Ecology Bill.
This latest news builds upon the amazing news from just two months ago, when nearly 1000 people signed a petition in Forres calling for Douglas Ross MP to support the Climate and Nature Bill. In addition to backing the Bill on Wednesday, the council also signed the Edinburgh Declaration on biodiversity.
Campaigners in Moray hand over the petition to Douglas Ross’ office. Picture: Becky Saunderson
We spoke to Councillor Draeyk van der Horn (Greens, Forres) about the incredible news from Moray. Here’s what they said:
“For the Council to pass this motion, tells the people of Moray that if we all work together can we face the challenges of this climate and ecological crisis. This motion builds on a need for now-or-never action. Furthermore, I am confident that Moray can surpass the objectives of this Bill, by standing shoulder to shoulder, as a fair and just community, living within the capacities of this amazing planet we call home.
“It seems to me that many of us are looking for direction and how to best navigate this crisis, sometimes it’s tricky to see beyond our immediate concerns, like cost of living, looming recession, and the war in Ukraine. What we fail to realise is that these emergencies are symptomatic of the climate and ecological crisis we are already in.
“We simply must do better, and to communicate these connections. This Bill provides an opportunity to do that and yet, I believe we need to go much further if we are to secure our future.”
Councillor Graham Leadbitter (SNP, Elgin City South) said: “This ties in really, really well with our climate change strategy. The benefit is that we are joining a wider group of organisations who can share experiences and best practice. I think this will drive forward the things we have to do over the next decade and beyond.”
With the passage of the motion, Moray Council will now write to MP Douglas Ross informing them that the motion has been passed, urging that they too back the Bill.
Massive thanks to all the campaigners and councillors in Moray!
Click here to view Moray Council’s motion support the Climate & Ecology Bill
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