The
Climate and City Resilience Committee will be responsible for
political oversight of the resilience strategy for Belfast,
liaising with Belfast Resilience and Sustainability Board who are
responsible for monitoring and delivery with the support of Belfast
Climate Commission, supporting a targeted approach through existing
structures to those issues which pose the greatest risk to the
city, its economy and its people. This includes considering the
potential implications of climate change for the city of Belfast
and for making recommendations to the Council on Belfast City
Council’s approach to addressing the climate crisis and
Council’s role and responsibilities at city level.
Its
specific functions include:
i.
Political oversight of the Resilience Strategy for
Belfast including liaising with Belfast Resilience and
Sustainability Board
ii.
Political oversight of the development and
implementation of the Council's Climate Action Plan including
liaising with Climate Programme Board, enhancing climate literacy
among staff and disclosure of climate data;
iii.
influencing and contributing to regional
considerations of the implications of climate change and other
shocks and stresses identified in the Resilience Assessment on both
the work of the Council and on the City;
iv.
understanding the economic risks to the city
associated with climate change and other shocks and stresses
– including how these might impact the ability of Belfast to
continue to attract and retain investment and grow the rate
base;
v.
monitoring the particular implications of climate
change for vulnerable and disadvantaged communities across the city
and to actively plan with them under the principles of a Just
Transition;
vi.
to consider public campaigns/public education
programmes which the Council may wish to deliver to change
behaviour among residents and businesses;
vii.
to take account of the Council’s statutory
responsibilities on sustainable development and relevant Programme
for Government commitments; and to hear evidence from other
parties;
viii.
to consider good practice from other cities and
local authorities from the UK, Ireland and
internationally;
ix.
The continuous monitoring of progress and
announcements around Brexit;
x.
Influencing and contributing to regional
considerations of the implications of Brexit on both the work of
the Council and on the district;
xi.
to foster and maintain positive relations and
cultural links with the European Union, and within the United
Kingdom, post Brexit;
xii.
Identifying any actions the Council may take to
mitigate any adverse impacts arising and capitalising on any
opportunities as a result of Brexit;
xiii.
establishing links and collaborating with relevant
authorities and organisations on a North/South and East/West basis
and connections with Europe; and
xiv.
to work collaboratively with the Shared Island Unit
to avail of funding opportunities and deal with strategic issues
and challenges to the benefit of our citizens.