COUNCILLORS have declared a climate emergency in Malvern.

At the full meeting of Malvern Hills District Council on July 23, councillors voted unanimously in favour of a motion put forward by Green party councillor John Raine.

Cllr Raine’s motion was that the council should join the growing list of local authorities that have already decided to act in this way.

Speaking at the meeting, he said: “More than 100 local authorities have declared a climate emergency, representing more than half of the population.

“We ask this council to follow their lead and commit to do all it can to respond to the threat posed by climate change.

“A few months ago I became a grandfather, and we owe it to not just him, but to all the children.”

Cllr Raine was supported by several of his fellow councillors, including fellow Green councillor Natalie McVey, who said: “I support this motion because I care about the planet.

"I am devastated by the apparent determination of the human race to drain our home of its resources.

"50 years ago we went to the moon, and now we are looking for a new home.

"I don't think we deserve another planet. Experience shows us that we will just wreck it."

At the meeting, around 20 members of the Malvern Extinction Rebellion group were in attendance, bringing with them banners and flags about the environment.

The group had marched with their banners from the Guildhall in Worcester to County Hall, where the meeting was held, and there were loud cheers when the council voted unanimously in favour of the motion.

The council’s Environment Policy Development Panel has been tasked with drawing up a comprehensive and fully costed action plan to be approved by Council before the end of March 2020 to become carbon neutral.

As well as seeking to reduce carbon emissions generated by the council’s own activities, the plan will also look at what can be done to support businesses and inspire residents to go carbon neutral too.

Councillors also agreed at the meeting to lobby national government for further action to support the efforts of local government.

Cllr Sarah Rouse, leader of Malvern Hills District Council, added: "I’m grateful to councillors of all parties who unanimously backed this motion.

"When it comes to tackling climate change we are united as one and will work together to ensure this council, our residents and businesses play their part in addressing this serious issue."