LETTERS: Now is the time to act on energy, resources and sustainability

We have heard much in the media recently about the Climate Crisis and different responses to it.

We might choose to do something individually or collectively (or both) about this. What is clear is that after 30 years of mainly talking now is the time to act on the energy, resources and sustainability crisis, we have created.

As Greta Thunberg (a young woman of wise words) has said: “We need action more than we need hope now, but action does give us hope.”

I, Angie Zelter, a member of Knighton Extiction Rebellion (XR), was arrested on April 17 at Parliament Square.

I was with over 10,000 other protesters, over 1,000 of whom were arrested during that week. They were part of the XR occupation of five sites in Central London with three demands:

1. To tell the truth by declaring a climate and ecological emergency and to work with other institutions to communicate the urgency for change;

2. To act now to halt biodiversity loss and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025;

3. To go beyond politics and create and be led by the decisions of a Citizen’s Assembly on climate and ecological justice.

As none of these demands had been met at the time, I refused to move and now face public order charges.

Wales, the UK and now Knighton Town Council have declared a Climate Emergency. Many Knighton residents are trying to do their bit to reduce their impact on the environment and reduce climate chaos. But it is up to all of us to do what we can.

On Saturday, July 6, groups from around the borders: XR Marches (Powys/Shropshire/Herefordshire), will gather at St Edwards Church Hall for a morning of networking, including the Knighton XR group who are arranging Non Violent Direct Action training.

ANGIE ZELTER

Knighton Extinction Rebellion