Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director of Economy and Public Protection

The Cabinet Member with the Economy Portfolio introduced a report (previously circulated) of the Executive Director of Economy and Public Protection to seek approval of the combined Climate Change and Nature Restoration Strategy.

The report explained that in May 2025, Council passed a resolution declaring a nature restoration emergency and combined it within the Council’s existing climate change emergency. It stated the need to create wider variety of habitats in Darlington which would increase the resilience of our wildlife to Climate Change, human pressures and natural threats.

The report detailed how the target of a net zero Council by 2040 will remain and separate action plans will be developed for the climate change and nature restoration actions, with clear linkages where an action will benefit both sides of the emergency declaration. The existing Cross Party Climate Change Working Group will be explained to provide supportive review of the nature restoration actions.

RESOLVED - Cabinet recommends that Council approves the adoption of the attached Climate Change and Nature Restoration Strategy.

REASON - The recommendations are supported by the increasing public pressure to act on climate change and on nature loss, we run the risk of significant damage to our reputation if we do not deliver on our stated commitments.