City of York council declare climate emergency following demonstration

Following yesterday's demonstration, the City of York council have declared climate emergency.

The motion to declare climate emergency and commit to carbon neutrality by 2030 was supported by and voted on unanimously by all parties.

York has now joined several other local councils which have already declared climate emergency, joining a push for national change.

Incoming YUSU Environments and Ethics officer and co-coordinator of Extinction Rebellion York, Mark Matthews said, "We're appreciative of the council taking the first step in creating a sustainable York. I couldn’t be prouder of all the tireless campaigning by Extinction Rebellion members, and the parties who passed the motion today. This clearly shows that local campaigning can make a difference and has inspired us to continue fighting for a sustainable future for all."

Fellow co-coordinator of Extinction Rebellion York and joint YUSU Environments and Ethics officer, Merry Dickinson said, "The scale of the climate crisis means that we have to take radical and immediate steps in order to prevent the most catastrophic scenarios of the climate crisis. York Council’s recognition of this crisis is vital in beginning the fight against climate breakdown, and we not only hope but will ensure that they follow it up with substantive climate action."

Featured Image Credit: Veda Kohli