The Greens at Suffolk County Council have today called for the Climate Emergency Declaration to be reinstated by the council following the devastation caused by the wildfire on Dunwich Heath.
The fire has been burning since Wednesday, with teams of firefighters from as far afield as Surrey, West Yorkshire and Northamptonshire joining Suffolk Fire and Rescue to try and put it out. This work is expected to continue over the weekend and into next week.
The Green Party, who form the official opposition at Endeavour House, and who proposed the Climate Emergency Declaration at the council in 2019 and the reaffirmation in 2023, have called for the council to reverse its position on whether there is a climate emergency in Suffolk.
The Reform UK administration at the council proposed a motion at the most recent council meeting on 16 July to scrap the Climate Emergency Declaration and review all the environmental programmes currently undertaken by the council, arguing that climate change did not constitute an emergency. Some councillors also commented that they did not believe in climate change.
Annette Dunning, Green councillor for Halesworth and the group’s Spokesperson for Communities, said:
“We are humbled and so thankful for the amazing work undertaken by Suffolk’s firefighters, who risk their lives every day to protect Suffolk and its residents. At the time of writing, we hear that the fire is in a stable position and firefighting is making good progress in very hot conditions from both above and below ground, which I know many people will be very relieved to hear.
So many people love Dunwich Heath and have an emotional attachment to it, even those who do not live in the area and yet travel from far and wide to visit. Sitting and speaking today with those who have been displaced it is clear of the affection they hold for Suffolk.
Having attended again today, it has been truly amazing and emotional to see the incredible efforts of Suffolk Fire and Rescue, and this afternoon seeing three fire service tenders sweeping through the village from Dorset and Wiltshire was wonderful. It has also been very moving to see so many other services in attendance and the support being provided by the local community to those people affected by the fire has been outstanding.
At our recent protest at Endeavour House regarding scrapping the Climate Emergency Declaration, firefighters from Suffolk and the Fire Brigades Union joined us to explain the impact of the changing climate on their work and the increasing danger of wildfires in Suffolk.
The wildfire at Dunwich Heath makes it abundantly clear that Suffolk, like the rest of world, is indeed experiencing a climate emergency.
The council has a responsibility to show Suffolk residents that it realises this.”
