On Saturday 30th September, over 100 local people came together to share their visions for climate and environmental action in York. As part of York Environment Week – an annual celebration of environmental activities and groups in our city – and building on YorkCliConnect’s Climate and Biodiversity workshops, Extinction Rebellion York (XR York) partnered with Yorkshire CND to host a People’s Assembly at the Central Methodist Church.
People’s Assemblies are a form of citizen-led democracy which bring people together to discuss issues and come to decisions collectively. This was XR York’s second People’s Assembly (read about the first, in 2019, here), and this time focussed on two central themes: ‘ending fossil fuels’ and ‘protecting what’s threatened’. The discussions generated a renewed set of recommendations to be taken to the Council, local businesses and more, urging unified and ambitious commitments to sustainability, resilience and fairness. The group will also take forward a series of actions they’ve agreed upon, striving to be part of transforming our city based on the priorities of its people.
Sophie – a member of XR York and XR Families York – said:
“We need new ideas and we need them now. Exercises in community led, collective democracy like this are the way forward.”
Local resident Scarlet said:
“York is a beautiful city and it can be made even more beautiful with green initiatives!”
Student Pax said:
“Direct democracy is really important and we won’t solve the climate crisis without it.”
Rosie, a member of XR Families, said:
“Our current political system is failing. It is failing to protect all of us by its inaction on the climate crisis. We must do things differently, the people need to come together to create an alternative future for our children.”
Fantastic work XR York and all who contributed. By building connections and working together, we can acheive so much more!
Photo, quotes and review courtesy of XR York