Manchester City Council really thinks climate change is serious.

How can I tell? Well, the schedule for the next year of work by the Neighbourhoods “and Environment” Scrutiny Committee was released a couple of days ago. And guess how many items there are on climate policy in the next 10 meetings.

Are you sitting down?

Yes. You’re right. It’s…..

two.

On Wednesday July 17th , at some time after 2pm, you can watch the latest “progress” report on the climate change “action” plan come under scrutiny. However, it’s only one of five items that day, so don’t expect more than, ooh, 25 minutes for the defining threat of the 21st century. Such a pity that the quarterly carbon reports were unilaterally abolished by the Executive Member for the Environment last year.

Then, as if that weren’t enough, a mere seven months later, on Wednesday 5th February 2020, there’s another report , on more general issues such as single use plastics and the like.

So, to recap, in the next year, councillors and members of the public will be able to challenge the Executive and officers on their climate policies for a grand total of, oh, about 60 minutes.

Bravo, Manchester City Council! When the histories of how local authorities led on climate policy are written by the grateful children of today’s Youth Climate Strikers, youl will be seen as a shining beacon, oh yes.

Btw, if this above renders you speechless with rage and/or despair, know this: You are not alone, and there are people who want to make City Council take this issue seriously. There are people busy developing the skills, knowledge and relationships to be in this for the long-haul, to January 4th 2023 and beyond. You can contact them here.