THE borough’s political parties have pledged their dedication to addressing the climate crisis.

In 2019, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council declared a climate emergency and has set bold targets of becoming carbon neutral by 2025, with the borough following suit by 2030.

Each week, The Gazette will be asking the political parties One Big Question. This week, we asked: “How does your party intend to address the issues posed by the climate crisis to ensure that the borough meets its targets?”

Of the eight parties that responded, all outlined several steps they plan to tak to mitigate the effects of climate change, with energy sources, housing, and transport as recurring themes. You can see their full responses in full here.

The Green Party stated that “the climate crisis IS the most important issue in a generation, in any generation”, adding that there is an “unavoidable need” for action at a local level.

They suggested a “switch from personal to mass public transportation”, and a focus on greener developments.

Meanwhile, Basingstoke & Deane Independents also focused on council buildings and transport networks, including ‘direct investment’ in solar and renewable energies and “vastly improved public transport run using ‘green’ buses”.

Leader Paul Harvey said: “We’re fast approaching the point of no return.”

The Conservative party described the climate emergency as a “key focus” with £2m allocated, saying: “We have worked with all parties to adopt a Climate Change & Air Quality Strategy at the council. We will lead, enable and inspire partners and residents to reduce carbon emissions.”

The Lib Dems said they would “set eco-housing standards for new developments”, and emphasised that regeneration of Basing View to the “main public transport hubs” would promote greener travel.

Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition “oppose fracking” and also emphasised renewables investment as a key point as well as making all council buildings and services “carbon neutral”.

Labour’s Andy McCormick pointed out that the targets set are not just for Basingstoke, but international, and said the party feels “insufficient progress” has been made on the climate emergency since 2019.

“We need a step change across the board to get this done by 2030,” he said, adding that council vehicles and buildings must lead the way.

Hampshire Independents focused on their “buy local” motto, adding: “We must stop buying clothing and other goods from countries that ignore the damage they are doing to the environment.”

They also championed the role of schools, saying: “Climate change is happening and it is how we adapt that matters as much as teaching what we have already done wrong.”

Finally, the Women Equality Party also stated that climate change is a “huge issue” for them, adding: “No climate responses are gender-neutral and they have important implications for equality.”

They added that greater investment in “low-carbon, high-recompense sectors”, often predominantly populated by women, could help.

“Care and education jobs are ‘green’ jobs and provide win-win solutions,” they said.

You can see the full responses from all eight parties by clicking here.