Gwynedd Council has been urged to declare a “climate emergency” by campaigners highlighting concerns over the planet’s future.

During a demonstration on Caernarfon’s Maes last week, around 50 members of Extinction Rebellion North Wales delivered a letter to the vice chair of the local authority, urging councillors to take action.

According to the group, the letter highlights recent warnings from scientists that there is only a 12-year window to drastically cut emissions if we are to avoid the most catastrophic effects of climate change.

With the Met Office predicting that recent storms, heat waves and flooding are set to become increasingly common in Wales, a member of the group was adamant that climate change is not simply an academic issue, but one which has very real impacts on people’s lives.

“I was really moved by the conviction of the children,” said Eluned Gold of y Felinheli, who added they were also collecting names for a Wales-wide petition calling for the Welsh Government to delcare a climate emergency.

“I was impressed with their understanding of the issues and their passion and concern. We adults should be listening to them. I’m a grandmother of four and I’m really concerned about the future we are leaving my children and grandchildren.

“We need urgent action at all political levels to stop the destruction that is already happening and to implement policies that will ensure a sustainable future.”

Local farmer, Jonathan Hughes, added: “Growing a diverse range of crops makes our farm more resilient to climate change and increases local food security, and we want to help others do the same. We and other local farmers are seeking to develop a low carbon, local sustainable food system based on farming practices that promote biodiversity and soil improvement. The council’s support in this could be transformative.”

The group is now hoping that Gwynedd Council will add its name to 334 local authorities who have already declared a climate emergency, joining Machynlleth Town Council which became the first Welsh council to do in January.

In response, a Gwynedd Council spokesman said it was already working on reducing its CO2 emissions, having cut 30 per cent since 2010 by using less energy in its buildings, fuel in vehicles, electricity for street lighting and reducing waste generated from council buildings as part of its Carbon Management Plan.

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