“I’m also disabled, which brings a different angle when discussing points for the manifesto. If an area is entirely pedestrianised, is it actually accessible? It’s all well and good having loads of trees, but is it accessible that way? There would be many ideas someone would say, and someone else would come back with, ‘Have you considered this because of my experiences, my friends’, my family’s experiences’ – not in a method of disagreement, but really broadening the discussion.”
“It feels really important, and I feel incredibly proud that I get to do something like this.”
That range of perspective wasn’t an accident. NCA’s 57 delegates were chosen through sortition, a kind of democratic lottery from a pool of 600 applicants, specifically selected to reflect Nottingham’s population.
Personally I’m optimistic looking from a Nottingham-centric lens, as fortunately we have some supportive, driven decision-makers in place, which is a refreshing contrast to the politicians I listed earlier. Councillor Sam Lux, Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability at Nottingham City Council, is a case in point. She called the manifesto ‘nothing less than critical’ and spoke passionately at the launch about NCA’s manifesto: “I’m so elated this assembly has come into fruition.” She was clear-eyed about the scale of the crisis too: “Now is our last chance to act. If we don’t do so in accordance with the will of Nottingham people, we aren’t going to succeed.”
This is a sentiment the manifesto itself reflects. The NCA states they “want a city that places both nature and residents at the heart of its decision-making process.” With councillors like Sam genuinely backing that vision, it is encouraging to see these policies actually evolving.
So what’s next for the NCA? Well, they’re supporting delegates in taking the manifesto to decision makers and tracking progress against their proposals. They also aim to hold further mini assemblies, a youth assembly across the East midlands to inform people about the manifesto.
And if you’re wondering how you can get involved, Nottingham Climate Assembly are always welcoming new volunteers. Head to the ‘get involved’ tab and you can find information there.
