A TEENAGER is calling on Bolton Council to declare a “climate emergency”.

Paris Hayes, 18, started a petition with a list of demands to take action on climate change.

The Westhoughton lad, who has just finished his A Levels at Bolton Sixth Form College, said he does not want the next generation fearing for their futures.

He said: “This isn’t just an important issue to me, it’s an important issue to everyone, especially the younger section of society.

“Climate change will effect us all – it already is doing so with on average warmer summers, huge amounts of sea ice melting and more extreme weather events.”

Mr Hayes has been inspired by 15-year-old Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough as well as the work of extinction rebellion.

He noticed other councils across the country declared a climate emergency and wondered why Bolton had not done the same.

A total of 175 local authorities in the UK have made the declaration so far, according to Climate Emergency Declaration.

Neighbouring Bury Council is set to follow suit next week as the ruling party has put forward proposals.

Mr Hayes said: “Councils are usually the first port of call for most people. Councils have the choice to make small decisions with big impacts. Small decisions such as accepting more plastics for recycling can go a long way.”

The petition can be handed in to the mayor at the next council meeting in August. If it gets 4,000 signatures it will be debated.