‘Climate plan is just not enough’ Local Extinction Rebellion activists call for citizen jury
Climate change protesters are accusing Stirling Council of “a lack of ambition” over measures outlined to councillors yesterday (Thursday).
Extinction Rebellion (XR) Stirling say they are “dismayed” that a Climate Action Plan put before a full council meeting does not feature enough “immediate and decisive” actions to reduce carbon emissions across Stirling.
As well as a seven page list of current planned measures, the council is to hold a public event in the Albert Halls on March 18 from 1-7pm. Similar sessions are being planned for rural areas in April/May and feedback is also being sought from the likes of community councils, schools, key employers and development trusts.
The local authority says the daylong drop-in session, attended by council services plus local and national organisations including Scottish Natural Heritage, Transport Scotland, Keep Scotland Beautiful and SEPA, heralds the beginning of an ongoing discussion with all communities across Stirling on how the region can tackle the global emergency as one.
The council also agreed to form a cross party short life group of councillors and officers to look at the issue.
Car free days in the city centre, more tree planting, extra water fountains and the potential for a council owned public transport company are just some of the measures being suggested by council officials to help battle climate change.
They also include implementing Fair Trade goods where possible; optimising school recycling facilities; minimising the use of paper towels, reducing printing, minimising use of single use plastics and stopping the purchase of nonrecycled paper; and considering prioritising suppliers of low carbon products and services.
Introducing more charging points for electric vehicles; extending 20mph limits across the council area; a pilot scheme for road surfacing using recycled plastic; expanding the Springkerse district heating network; and a food growing strategy are also on the list.
Council officers have also suggested developing a plan for collaborating with organisations across Stirling considered to be “larger carbon emitters”.
Environment and housing convener Councillor Jim Thomson said: “We declared a climate emergency in October last year and we have been working on our action plan aimed at reducing environmental impacts and developing climate resilience.
“This drop-in event will allow Stirling Council residents to come along, speak to our officers and partners, and discuss how to tackle the climate emergency together. It will also be an opportunity for organisations in Stirling to demonstrate what they are doing to mitigate the impacts of climate change and shape services to protect the planet.”
Vice convener Councillor Danny Gibson said: “The climate emergency has gone straight to the top of the agenda in Stirling and it’s crucial we work together to tackle it.”
Local Extinction Rebellion activists, however, say the strategy does not go far enough.
A spokesperson told the Observer: “As citizens, we expect leadership from the council, to ensure people and organisations in
Stirling are enabled and empowered to contribute to the worldwide effort to prevent global heating beyond 1.5 degrees. Extinction Rebellion is demanding a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025 - as climate science necessitates.
“The world’s eyes will be on Scotland as the COP26 will take place here later this year in November; and world-leading changes are needed. Stirling must step up and deliver more ambitious targets backed by practical plans.
“We outlined a possible scenario in a submission to the council on February 11 to set up working groups for each sub-topic of the climate emergency and include a citizen jury that in other cities such as Camden or Leeds has worked very well for community engagement.
“We all need to demand more urgent action to tackle the climate crisis and protect Stirling communities and local residents’ future.”