Rochdale’s new climate change tsar has called on the council to embrace radical protest group Extinction Rebellion.
Coun Sara Rowbotham, who took on the new role last year, believes the environmentalists can play an important part in helping the authority hit its bid to become carbon-neutral by 2038.
The global movement pressures governments into taking action to address the current ‘climate and ecological emergency’.
However, its tactics - which involve non-violent civil disobedience - have drawn criticism from some quarters.
Last September it held demonstrations in Manchester city centre despite pleas from councillors who said it would break lockdown restrictions.
Other stunts have included blocking Oxford Street and a ‘die-in’ at the Arndale Centre.
But Coun Rowbotham has praised the group - sometimes referred to as XR - after it was revealed she had held discussions with members.
Speaking at a council scrutiny committee she said that, despite their controversial reputation, Extinction Rebellion were ‘pussycats’.
“They are clearly a passionate group of people whose energy and enthusiasm we really need to embrace,” said Coun Rowbotham.
“They represent all aspects of our community and our residents who are very serious and passionate about the climate change agenda.
“We have an awful lot to learn from them and I think embracing their energy is really important.”
Discussions have also been held with volunteer network Action Together, homelessness charity Petrus Community and Local Energy North West.
The council has also formed a Climate Emergency Working Group, which will meet in March to work on a plan for ‘community engagement and consultation’.
Coun Rowbotham - whose new title is portfolio holder for climate change and sustainability - told the meeting the aim was to involve as many people in the borough as possible.
She said: “It’s about reaching out to people who are really passionate about the climate emergency concerns.
“But equally, those people who are climate change deniers, to really gain an understanding of what people’s views are across the borough.
“We hope by the next meeting we will have a consensus [on how to engage with people] and be able to roll it out by the end of March.”
Rochdale council’s communities, regeneration and environment overview and scrutiny committee met on Wednesday, February 24.
