By Dan Antunes
Recently marked as ‘average’ by statistics compiled by climate group Friends of the Earth, Kirklees’ Climate Emergency group is set to make a stand at Huddersfield Town Hall before the council’s next meeting on Wednesday.
In an effort to keep the emphasis on climate emergency high on the Council’s agenda, the group is stressing the importance of the IPCC’s environmental report, which has given us a 12-year limit, (from 2018), to make major changes in the way we treat our planet.
Building off of the success of the latest youth strike, the action, which will take place from 4-5:30 pm, intends to build upon further successes wherein climate groups had helped push towards the Kirklees Climate emergency declaration in January.
With Green Party Leader Andrew Cooper stating that ‘’we need to be doing a lot more’’, the impact of the meeting will determine Kirklees ongoing battle to make itself more environmentally friendly.
Local Greenpeace Volunteer, June Graham added that ‘’’It is important that we ALL act now to change our behaviours, to cut carbon emissions to help preserve our planet for future generations. I want Kirklees Council to do the same and detail and enact firm plans to be carbon neutral ASAP.
In tandem with current Extinction Rebellion strikes across the country, which has seen over 1000 people arrested, the action highlights progressing mentalities towards environmental awareness with climate injustice, where lower-income homes are more affected by climate change, also being a focus.
The strike will be followed by a meeting in a nearby pub/ cafe to help new sub-groups plan future actions and campaigns as well as a climate emergency vigil hosted by Huddersfield Quakers at Friends Meeting House, Church Street from 6-8:30 pm to reflect on recent climate change issues. Vegan meal included.