Climate change campaigners set up camp outside council HQ in Truro
The group is demanding more action on the pledge to go carbon neutral by 2030
Last updated 23rd May 2022
Environmental campaigners have set up camp outside Cornwall Council and they are aiming to stay put for two weeks.
The Cornwall Climate Camp arrived at County Hall in Truro in the early hours of Monday 23rd May.
They are demanding more action on the local authority's pledge to become carbon neutral by 2030.
Organisers claim that while officials have made headway, the goal is "utterly unattainable without a dramatic and urgent increase in commitment and action".
They are planning a full programme of speakers, workshops, trainings and creative activities that will focus on subjects including the ecological and environmental emergency, the housing crisis in Cornwall, green energy and food sustainability.
The objective is to showcase the critical areas requiring attention, to engage with councillors and to raise awareness amongst the public.
Charlie Lewin, an environmental textile artist from West Cornwall says: "Cornwall Council has made some headway towards its goal of net zero carbon emissions for Cornwall by 2030. But sadly, this goal is utterly unattainable without a dramatic and urgent increase in commitment and action.
"We are living in a climate emergency; the acceleration of this can not be avoided by half measures.
"Our camp is here to increase pressure on the council to challenge the status quo, step outside of their comfort zone and get on the right side of history.
"We hope very much that councillors and council staff will embrace the opportunity that this camp affords".
On Tuesday May 24th climate camp will join with other local campaigners to welcome councillors as they arrive for their annual meeting.
While council meets a speaker platform will take place followed by, the now familiar, People’s Assembly, discussing: 'What does Cornwall council need to do to reduce Cornwall’s carbon emissions by at least 13% annually to achieve net zero by 2030? And what can Cornwall citizens, households, organisations, institutions and parish councils do to reduce their carbon emissions by at least 13% annually?'
You can find more information about the Cornwall Climate Camp group on its Facebook page and official website.
We have approached Cornwall Council for a statement and updates will appear below.