BASINGSTOKE’S greenhouse gas emissions could contribute to a “climate and ecological disaster” according to an action group in the town.

Basingstoke Transition Network (BTN) is inviting the public to join a ‘walk for action on climate and nature’ next month to mark three years since borough councillors supported a motion to declare a climate emergency.

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The campaigners say that Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has not done enough since then to tackle the issue of climate change.

Since the council supported the motion in 2019 it has set up a Climate Change Team and produced a Climate and Air Quality Strategy. It has also created a Climate Change Toolkit for residents with progress monitored via its Climate Emergency Action Plan.

However, BTN said that the town’s greenhouse gas emissions are not falling enough to prevent a “climate and ecological disaster” and members are calling for more to be done to reach net zero by 2030.

The council said in February this year it is not sure whether it will meet its climate change emergency target by 2025.

It is working towards making the borough net-zero carbon by 2030, with the aim of making its entire property portfolio net carbon neutral in its own operations by the end of 2025.

However, at a meeting in February it was declared that it is unsure whether it will meet this target.

The walk will take place on Saturday, July 16 when the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Cllr Paul Miller will join BTN, which works and pushes for a greener, sustainable, renewable, and carbon-neutral future for the town.

The group wants Basingstoke to take steps to protect nature, establish green corridors and nature recovery networks. It is asking the council to support renewable energy generation, promote net-zero energy homes and easy access for all to zero emission transport, and facilitate the development of a circular economy and waste reduction.

Miranda Chubb, BTN chair, said: “We encourage everyone to come together to help raise awareness of the climate and ecological emergency. To join together as a community to show support for a green, sustainable future for our town where people, nature and wildlife thrive together. We are glad the mayor is joining us; we hope many, if not all, councillors will be doing the same.”

Martin Heath, BTN member, added: “It has been three years since we declared a climate emergency in Basingstoke. In that time, we have not seen anywhere near the level of change and action that such an emergency demands.

“We want BDBC to make sure we stop building poorly insulated houses and warehouses, we want a commitment to encourage the retro-fitting of existing buildings, we want a sustainable transport policy that puts people not roads first, and we want the council to support renewable energy, not prevent it.

“They need to do this within the next eight years. Only by acting now will Basingstoke meet the climate and ecological crisis in a way that will ensure a green, sustainable future for our town.

“These actions are perfectly possible with the right will and we at BTN urge all councillors to work in coalition to make it happen. On July 16th the community will show there is support for this across Basingstoke.”

Basingstoke author Lucy Jones, who wrote the Times and Telegraph Book of the Year ‘Losing Eden: Why our Minds Need the Wild’ is supporting the action.

She said: “Change is possible. A liveable planet and future for all is possible. But it's not going to happen unless our systems and structures change.

“We need all hands on deck to fight for an earth-friendly world. It's not easy - the science about our future is clear and frightening - but meeting and working with local people in Basingstoke Transition Network is an antidote to eco-anxiety, paralysis and fear.

“If you love our earth, and you want to make a difference for the world today, and future generations, join us.”

Those wanting to join the community walk should meet at Basingstoke Train Station at 11am on July 16 before walking through the town centre via an accessible route to the council offices.

The walk will end with a picnic at War Memorial Park.

Updates and further details can be found on BTN’s Facebook and Twitter pages @ecobasingstoke or questions can be emailed to info@btnet.org.uk.

Cabinet member for environment and climate action Cllr Hayley Eachus said: “Our climate emergency declaration set a number of ambitious targets, including for the borough to become net zero carbon by 2030 in recognition of the significant impact that climate change will have, particularly on future generations.

“As a council we appreciate that we have an important role to play but we cannot do this alone and collaboration and working together with our local communities is key. Addressing climate change is not just a council issue. We all contribute towards local emissions and so we are all individually responsible for helping to reduce them to protect the wonderful borough in which we live.

“We are keen to lead where we can and we are already taking steps to enable changes, working alongside partners and local communities. This includes encouraging sustainable behaviours including reuse and recycling among residents through our climate change toolkit, promoting grants for funding improvements to reduce emissions from homes and businesses, and supporting the county council in a forthcoming project set to almost double the number of public electric vehicle chargers across our borough.

“We are also looking towards the future. Strong new policies for low carbon homes are being prepared through our work to update the local plan, with these being shaped through work with the Basingstoke Transition Network and others, and we are also looking at how public transport could be improved in the long term as well as working with the county council as local highway authority as it considers how local footpaths and cycle ways might be best improved in coming years.

“We are keen to hear everyone’s thoughts about how the borough could reach carbon neutrality and encourage you to get in touch with us to discuss your ideas.”

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