Green recovery is in our grasp
Dear Editor Across the world, councils and local communities are engaged in an unprecedented global effort to save lives and protect the most vulnerable.
The coronavirus crisis has laid bare how inequality is lethal to human life, but it has also shone a light on acts of solidarity, cooperation and centred the vital role of public services, key workers and unpaid carers.
As Stirling moves past a peak of infections, our attention is turning to what comes next. We are at a turning point in human history. This terrible crisis has also brought forward the possibility of an economic revival that ensures resilience to future crises, including the climate emergency.
The local recovery from coronavirus is a rare chance to markedly accelerate moving towards goals of wellbeing and sustainability, ending social inequality and environmental destruction. We need a just and green recovery that cuts climate emissions by building a fairer, equal and environmentally friendly society. We have a chance to transform Stirling for the better. The question is, how will Stirling Council respond?
Coronavirus has both served to compound, and has brought into sharp focus, some of the long-standing issues facing the people of Stirling. For example, the numbers of individuals and families experiencing food poverty, and who are reliant on food parcels, has increased significantly at this present time. Both the climate crisis and the coronavirus pandemic are expected to have significant and hugely concerning implications in respect of food production and provision. What steps will Stirling Council take to provide food security and justice to the residents of Stirling?
More positively, amidst the horrors of the pandemic, we have seen positive changes that many people wish to retain. Our streets are safer from traffic, the air is cleaner, and people are outside, walking and cycling more. Yet, as we prepare for a gradual easing from lock-down, we may see a slide-back into business-asusual. Worse still, it is clear that use of public transport will be greatly reduced, with many people reluctant to use it. Without action now, the outcome may not simply be that ‘normal’ traffic levels are returned to, but that these levels are even higher than before. How will Stirling Council ensure that this is not the case? How will it act to protect the positive changes that many residents wish to retain?
Decisions made in times of crisis have long-standing consequences. After the 2008 financial crisis, inequality grew and climate emissions spiralled. We want to see this moment seized for the common good, not repeat the mistakes of the past. We can build a more engaged civilsociety where everyone has a say in the decisions that affect them. Local organisations and residents have a central role to play in helping to shape Stirling’s future in this unprecedented time. We look forward to meeting with Stirling Council to address how we can realise a truly just and green recovery.
We hope that our concerns are considered in the forthcoming council meeting on June 4.
Extinction Rebellion Stirling