WHAT do they want? Climate justice. When do they want it? Now.
That was the message from around 200 environmental activists this afternoon as they took to Bournemouth town centre demanding a change in climate policy.
Protesters armed with placards, drums and slogans for change walked from Bournemouth Pier through Lower Gardens before arriving in the Square where the organiser Ruby Free gave a speech.
Speaking with the Echo after the march, the Climate Justice Coalition campaigner and wildlife conservationist said: “We’re hear demanding climate justice and are in solidarity of the groups at COP27 in Egypt.
“There have been 27 conferences of the parties, which means 27 times to act. But they have failed 27 times.
“We are demanding that our government create tangible action. They like to greenwash and pretend that they do, but just this year they’ve given 100 new oil licences and it is absolutely ridiculous.
They all want climate justice. And now. The protest group are making their way from Bournemouth Pier to the Square @Bournemouthecho pic.twitter.com/wBIpt6wUdm
— Matt Simpson (@MattSimpsonEcho) November 12, 2022
“If they mean climate justice, they will act now.”
People from all walks of life attended the march at 12pm on Saturday, November 12, from lecturers, pensioners, councillors and even a former MP.
Dame Annette Brooke, former MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, was present with her husband Cllr Michael Brooke.
She said: “Nobody is doing enough to tackle climate change and that’s the frightening thing.
“When I was in parliament amongst Tory MPs I was quite a lone voice on these issues.
“Time is going on and there is so little hope for future generations to even live a comfortable life in this country.
“Whilst I accept that leaders are meeting and talking, we’ve got to get beyond the talking and get on and do something now.
Her husband Broadstone councillor Michael Brooke added: “We feel very strongly about climate change and the issues it will bring forward and the fact that it is part of the whole injustice of the current economic system.
“In nine years, we could reach that 1.5 degree target and it is really horrendous.”
Angela Pooley of East Dorset Friends of the Earth said: “It’s so important to bring everybody here. All the different groups send out a message to the decisionmakers that we must make changes and the majority of people on this planet believe that.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel