Jeremy Corbyn is calling on MPs to accept their “historic duty” and declare a national climate emergency

What is a ‘climate emergency’ – and what are MPs voting on today?

MPs are set to debate a Labour motion for Parliament to declare an emergency and pledge to act “with commensurate urgency” to tackle rising temperatures and wildlife loss.

It also calls on the government to set a new target to reach net zero emissions before 2050, boost renewable energy, low carbon technology and green jobs, and bring in urgent measures to restore nature and cut waste.

‘It is a great first step because it sends a clear signal that we are in a crisis and that the ongoing climate and ecological crises must be our first priority,’ says activist Greta Thunberg

Theresa May must put the country and politicians on a “war footing” to avert the disasters of climate change, the former Labour leader Ed Miliband has declared as MP’s gear up to vote on whether to declare a “climate emergency”.

His remarks come after the Extinction Rebellion – the international movement that says we “are in a life or death situation of our own making” – brought areas of central London to a standstill in recent weeks.

What is a “climate emergency?”

There appears to be no single definition of a “climate emergency”, but it is generally agreed among those calling for the motion that climate change represents the greatest threat to all walks of life, including national security, the economy, social well-being, and the natural environment.

While symbolic such a declaration by an authority or government would recognise the life-threatening risks that will come with inactivity over climate change.

At the end of 2018, the United Nations secretary general António Guterres said climate change “is the defining issue of our time”, and said the planet faces a “direct existential threat”.

Will it succeed?

To pass it is likely to require the support of Conservative MPs, who will be under immense pressure to back the demand. But – as a general rule – Tory MPs do not usually vote in favour in motions put forward by Labour during opposition day debates in the House of Commons.

Though many campaigners and activists will be expecting MPs of all colours to be putting aside tribal politics and declare a “climate emergency”. If it is voted down, expect an almighty row to follow.

What happens if MPs pass the motion?

Labour believes by declaring a “climate emergency” a wave of action could be set off in parliaments around the globe and recognise the magnitude of the threat faced by climate change.

The motion also calls on the government to alter its climate change change targets and achieve net zero emissions before 2050.

Jeremy Corbyn on Extinction Rebellion

Describing Extinction Rebellion, whose activists blocked streets and bridges around London for days, as “a massive and necessary wake-up call”, Corbyn said: “Today, we have the opportunity to say: ‘We hear you.’

“Parliament rarely leads change, it usually drags its feet. Think about the huge transformations to our society: workers’ rights, women’s rights, gay rights.

“The impetus has always come from outside, from social movements and communities, while Westminster is often the last place to understand it. Let’s not repeat that pattern. Let’s respond to the younger generation, who are raising the alarm.

“By declaring a climate emergency, we could set off a wave of action from parliaments and governments around the world. It’s a chance that won’t be available to succeeding generations. It is our historic duty to take it,” he will say.

The Labour leader will also call for significant investment in new technologies and green industries: “The hidden hand of the market is not going to save us. Technological solutions are not going to magically appear out of nowhere.

“An emergency of this magnitude requires large-scale government intervention to kickstart industries, to direct investment and to boost research and development in the green technologies of the future.

“The solution to the crisis is reprogramming our whole economy so that it works in the interests of both people and the planet. This is not a time for despair. It is a time for action.”