During COP26 in Glasgow, Nottingham will host a mass environmental demonstration on Saturday 6 November. Those taking part tells us why they're getting involved...
This November, world leaders will gather in Glasgow for COP26, and have a high level discussion on climate change and how countries will coordinate and adapt to face it. Yet many feel that our governments are not doing enough and that the result of COP26 will be business as usual.
Mass demonstrations are being planned across the UK by those who want our governments and leaders to start taking climate change seriously and while many will travel to Glasgow, Nottingham has been chosen as a regional hub for a mass demonstration. On Saturday 6 November a wide and diverse range of local individuals and organisations will gather at Forest Recreation Ground at 1pm, and march along Mansfield Road to congregate at Market Square at 3pm, listening to speeches from Nottingham citizens on why leaders, both national and local, need to pay attention to the people.
The demonstration and the march are welcoming everyone to join and the Nottingham contingent promises to a diverse collection of locals who are standing up and marching for climate justice. We speak to some of the participants and organisers about their motivations for being a part of the UK’s biggest ever climate demonstration.
Rita, University of Nottingham Student
“As a child I was always taught about climate change as something minor that would have serious implications in a far away future, but as a young adult the understanding of the scale and complex interaction of ‘abnormal’ climate events became more clear to me. At times, the knowledge of the need to change society can be the cause of anxiety, so getting involved with the Nottingham COP26 Coalition is my way of doing something about it. We need a diverse and big group of individuals, each focusing on a specific issue but working in parallel with the same aim.”
Rachel, Extinction Rebellion Nottingham
“This day of action for climate justice offers everyone the opportunity to come together and be counted, showing the leaders that they must agree solutions at COP26 that keep warming below 1.5 degrees. This will need to involve unprecedented reform of the economy to prioritise human safety and wellbeing and halt biodiversity loss. Inevitably, this threatens the rich and powerful, but this is the only way for us to proceed with any chance of success.”
Vicki, Unison Member
“Humanity needs to reduce carbon emissions in order to keep our planet liveable. Unfortunately, all governments are wedded to polluting industries and economic systems that will stop us meeting our targets. The rally on 6 November gives trade unions the chance to show they are active in the fight against climate change, and represented in the debates about how we achieve our climate goals. Workers can be the main actors in our transition to a zero carbon future - finding solutions, creating green jobs, and fighting for a future that benefits all. Without us, this transition simply cannot happen!”
Ewan, Nottingham Writer and Campaigner
“Everyone is talking about climate change now, but we need to be clear on what a just transition looks like. It’s not enough for political leaders to simply say they are implementing ‘carbon neutral’ policies. We need to examine the supply chains of raw materials for renewables and show meaningful solidarity with the nations and workers all over the world. Atmospheric pollution has been primarily from countries such as ours and we owe a debt and a commitment to technology transfer to the Global South. Saturday 6 November is a chance for us to talk meaningfully about climate justice.”
Naomi, Lead Campaigner, Woodland trust
“The Woodland Trust is delighted to be inviting our supporters to join the march in Nottingham on 6 November. The UN climate conference hosted by the UK in Glasgow must result in an urgent and ambitious global response to the climate emergency. With our headquarters local to Nottingham, we will be standing up for trees, nature and the planet alongside other local groups, individuals and organisations at an event which will help ensure the people of Nottingham’s voices are heard. We’re coming together to show world leaders that we want to see action, now.”
The Notts COP26 coalition is welcoming everyone to come down to the Global Day for Climate Justice on 6 November. Find out more and join the Facebook event here.
If you or your organisation would like more information about the COP26 Rally, or would like to join or volunteer to help with organising, please email nottingham@cop26coalition.com.
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