This Council recognises that we have a vital part to play in ocean recovery. The people of Nottingham City benefit from our ocean through the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the way our ocean regulates our climate. We also impact the ocean through what we put down our drains, the litter and pollution that flows into our rivers, and the carbon emissions we produce. The burden of taking care of our ocean often falls to communities at the coast; but they are at the end of the line, receiving pollution and problems from inland communities like ours. We know that many of our citizens are concerned about the future of our oceans. Nottingham City Council recognises that we have a vital role to play in recovering the health of our ocean through increasing awareness of how local actions can affect the ocean and by acting as responsible custodians of the rivers, streams and waterways that run through our city on their way to the sea.
This Council pledges to report to Full Council within [6-12] months on the actions taken as follows:
a) To put the ocean into net recovery by 2030, updating the Marine Policy Statement and produce a national Ocean Recovery Strategy which recognises the connection between river and ocean systems and enables their recovery rather than managing degraded or altered habitats.
b) Stop plastic pollution at source by strengthening the regulations around single-use plastics and set standards for microfibre-catching filters to ensure that all new washing machines are fitted with a filter that captures a high percentage of microfibres produced in the wash cycle by 2025.
c) To make our rivers a clean and healthy resource for our citizens to enjoy, by taking swift action to reduce the risk of sewage storm overflow discharges into our rivers and bathing waters, bringing the target dates forward, to achieve 80% reduction by 2035 and reverse the cuts to Environment Agency funding so that they can take appropriate enforcement action against polluters.
Minutes:
Councillor Corall Jenkins moved the following motion, which was seconded by Councillor Zafran Khan:
This Council recognises that we have a vital part to play in ocean recovery. The people of Nottingham City benefit from our ocean through the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the way our ocean regulates our climate. We also impact the ocean through what we put down our drains, the litter and pollution that flows into our rivers, and the carbon emissions we produce. The burden of taking care of our ocean often falls to communities at the coast; but they are at the end of the line, receiving pollution and problems from inland communities like ours. We know that many of our citizens are concerned about the future of our oceans. Nottingham City Council recognises that we have a vital role to play in recovering the health of our ocean through increasing awareness of how local actions can affect the ocean and by acting as responsible custodians of the rivers, streams and waterways that run through our city on their way to the sea.
This Council pledges to report to Full Council within [6-12] months on the actions taken as follows:
a) To put the ocean into net recovery by 2030, updating the Marine Policy Statement and produce a national Ocean Recovery Strategy which recognises the connection between river and ocean systems and enables their recovery rather than managing degraded or altered habitats.
b) Stop plastic pollution at source by strengthening the regulations around single-use plastics and set standards for microfibre-catching filters to ensure that all new washing machines are fitted with a filter that captures a high percentage of microfibres produced in the wash cycle by 2025.
c) To make our rivers a clean and healthy resource for our citizens to enjoy, by taking swift action to reduce the risk of sewage storm overflow discharges into our rivers and bathing waters, bringing the target dates forward, to achieve 80% reduction by 2035 and reverse the cuts to Environment Agency funding so that they can take appropriate enforcement action against polluters.
Councillor Sam Lux proposed the following amendment to the motion, which was seconded by Councillor Sam Harris.
Insert the following actions:
1. “Recognise the importance of the protection and recovery of the River Trent and its tributaries in all decision making by Nottingham City Council, especially regarding planning, regeneration and economic policy. Decisions taken by the Council should be mindful of the need to mitigate the impact of the climate and ecological emergencies and to acknowledge the various nature-based solutions in our journey towards a carbon neutral and climate resilient future.”
2. “Co-ordinate with other local authorities along the River Trent, the Trent Partnership, the Environment Agency, the Canal and Rivers Trust and other local organisations to work towards further protection and recovery of the River Trent.”
Add the following wording at the end of the motion: “Cost implications arising from this motion, including officer time, will be subject to decision making in the usual way acknowledging the Council’s current financial position.”
Councillor debated the proposed amendment.
Resolved to approve the amendment to the motion.
Councillors debated the amended motion.
Resolved to carry the amended motion.