On Friday afternoon (5 August) members of the environmental pressure group Extinction Rebellion York marched through the city – to present a formal response to the council’s Climate Change Strategy.
They met at the Constantine Statue at York Minster before walking to the City of York Council’s Station Rise offices.
The response combined the views of multiple scientists, renewable energy experts, students, teachers, and local activists within Extinction Rebellion York – setting out key observations and recommendations.
The council first pledged to create a Climate Change Plan in 2019 – also declaring a climate emergency and promising to make York a zero carbon city by 2030.
The Climate Change Strategy – which is almost 40 pages in length – was released last month.
The group reviewed the document and shared their views on the council’s proposed approach in a formal response letter.
Some excerpts from the response:
“It is alarming that the Council has reduced its net zero target to 77% by 2030. The projected emissions reduction pathway is even less ambitious, failing to reach net zero even by 2050. It is unclear as to how the Council has reached its carbon and wider reduction targets. Statistics including housing and active travel do not appear to be evidenced.”
“We urge the Council to give due consideration to the views and recommendations expressed in this response and take the radical action needed to expand and meet appropriate environmental targets. We will continue to hold the Council to account in the spirit of shared survival. Time is running out.”
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“Having declared a climate emergency in 2019 the Council needs to act boldly and get all residents and organisations on board, as well as all Council departments,” said Extinction Rebellion York member, Debby.
“This is, as the climate document says, a matter of lives, living and livelihoods.”
Member Judith said, “I was particularly incensed by the Transport section where the goal is 3% reduction in car road transport use.
“A 25% increase in bus use is paltry. Surely we should be gradually stopping private car use altogether.
“Goals should be at least 50% reduction in road transport use and 100% increase in public transport, merely doubling current use.”
Find out more about Extinction Rebellion York here.