OnTheWight always welcomes a Letter to the Editor to share with our readers – unsurprisingly they don’t always reflect the views of this publication. If you have something you’d like to share, get in touch and of course, your considered comments are welcome below.
This from XR Ventnor. Ed
On 24th July 2019, the Isle of Wight council declared a Climate Emergency. In that declaration, the council set a date for the Island to aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2030.
Previous to this, Extinction Rebellion had organised marches and put pressure on the council to declare. Many people felt, even then, that 2030 was still too late.
On 9th September 2021, the council’s Cabinet signed off the Isle of Wight’s Climate Strategy 2021-2040 with the following goals;
- 2030 for the Isle of Wight Council Estate (which makes up 1% of emissions),
- 2035 Net Zero for the Schools Estates and
- 2040 for the rest of the Island.
Goalposts have moved
The Isle of Wight Council have changed the goalposts on their original declaration. This strategy is due to be signed off by Full Council on 17th November.
As far as we are aware, there has been no announcement explaining the reason why this has been changed.
XR Ventnor believes the residents of the Island are owed this explanation.
The decision to change the target is massively impactful on our community.
Emergencies aren’t postponed by a decade
The first thing this decision does is to negate the word ‘Emergency’. Emergencies aren’t postponed by a decade.
Many people are very concerned about climate breakdown, about food security, about jobs. Business As Usual is not an option.
It is not down to XR Ventnor to pinpoint where the climate strategy is lacking. We would urge residents to read the document themselves , and form their own opinions. The scope is wide.
Our demands
The three demands that Extinction Rebellion have are;
- Tell The Truth – Governments and media have a duty to report the truth.
- Net Zero by 2025 – The latest Chatham House report has stipulated that the next three to four years are critical
- Citizens Assemblies. Let people decide, not Governments who are subjected to lobbying by big corporations and fossil fuels.
IWC needs to listen
Communities across the Island need to work together to bring down their collective emissions now. The Isle of Wight council can’t do it themselves: and on the same token, residents need for the local authority to apply for grants to help them where this is needed.
Let us be clear about one thing. The Isle of Wight council needs to actively listen now and help Island residents.
Don’t Cop Out
XR Ventnor urge those who care about the Climate and Biodiversity Emergency to attend COP26: Don’t Cop Out on Saturday 6th November at St Thomas Square Newport from 12pm.
