Another Kent council has declared a climate and ecological emergency in the face of threats posed by climate change.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council voted on the issue at their latest full council meeting - the night before the country would experience the hottest day on record.

The motion was presented by Cllr Georgina Treloar, and was passed unanimously with one amendment at the Civic Centre.

It stated that direct risks to the district include threats to Romney Marsh by rising sea levels, water shortages within 25 years, coastal erosion, an increased number of heat-related deaths and the loss of plant and animal species.

In addition, the district was recently found to be the most at risk for flooding in the county.

Cllr Treloar, ward member for Hythe, implored her fellow councillors to "put the breaks on the doomed train we know as business as usual".

In her speech, she said: "There is nothing that will overwhelm the human race and our beautiful, fragile planetary home more than climate change if we do not take immediate action.

"Climate deniers are on the wrong side of history.

"Climate delayers are on the wrong side of history. Those who kick the can and push this problem towards the next generation are on the wrong side of history.

"We are not above nature. We are a part of nature, and if our ecosystems collapse, we will not survive as a species."

The motion will now be referred to the council's overview and scrutiny committee in order to "find the best way forward".

It sees the district council join over 100 other authorities across the country in declaring a climate emergency, including Kent County Council, Medway, Swale, Maidstone and Gravesham and, recently, Hythe Town Council.

Cllr Treloar welcomed the news, saying: “I’m overjoyed that we were able to bring the truth about the climate and ecological crisis to full council.

"I’m pleased that councillors of all political persuasions acknowledged the emergency we are in.

"And while there appeared to be an attempt to kick the can, the motion passed with an amendment that makes it even more robust.

"It's a long road ahead, and a motion is all well and good but we need real, quantifiable action".

When put into practice, the motion will see a carbon action plan drawn up, and a commitment to achieving zero net carbon by 2030.

Earlier this month, Ashford Borough Council rejected a call to declare a climate emergency - but made a commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone

Read more: All the latest news from Kent