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Activists call for Asheville to reduce carbon footprint


Climate change activists marched in downtown Asheville on Tuesday, demanding leaders do more to reduce the city's carbon footprint. (photo credit: WLOS staff)
Climate change activists marched in downtown Asheville on Tuesday, demanding leaders do more to reduce the city's carbon footprint. (photo credit: WLOS staff)
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Climate change activists marched in downtown Asheville on Tuesday, demanding leaders do more to reduce the city's carbon footprint.

The first step Extinction Rebellion wants Asheville City Council to take is to sign a proclamation declaring there is a climate emergency.

The international group marched from Pritchard Park toward city hall, escorted by Asheville police officers on bikes to keep drivers and those protesting safe.

The group has its roots in Europe but is gaining momentum in the United States, holding non-violent but disruptive events to focus attention on climate change and calls to reduce local municipal carbon footprints.

"Local leaders need to take this really seriously, to step up, to say this needs to be our No. 1 priority," Debbi Genz, of Asheville, said. "Now, it's time to commit civil disobedience and disrupt things."

The group wants Asheville City Council to declare a climate emergency. Other groups have recently addressed council at public sessions demanding the same, asking city leaders to take more aggressive steps to reduce the carbon footprint by 2025.

Police stayed at a distance. There were no issues. Asheville councilman Brian Haynes was there, helping carry the main sign.

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