Edinburgh will host a Climate Justice March on Saturday 12 November as part of a Global Day of Action, campaigners have announced.
It will take place during the UN Climate Conference COP27 that runs from 6 – 18th November in Egypt. The family friendly march is being organised by a range of climate and environmental groups and will coincide with over 20 UK events and scores more around the world.
Civil society activists in Egypt face persecution from one of the most repressive regimes in the world so there will be no mass mobilisation in Egypt around the climate talks. Egyptian activists along with allies across African countries and the Arab world, are calling for this global day of action to draw attention to demands for climate justice and human rights.
Since COP26 ended in Glasgow last year, people have felt the devastating impact of extreme climate change including the floods in Pakistan that displaced tens of millions, deadly heat waves across Europe and famine in East Africa.
This global crisis is being driven by the burning of fossil fuels. At the same time we are facing a cost of living crisis fuelled by rising energy prices. But in the last 12 months the UK Government has opened new oil and gas fields, tried to lift its ban on fracking in England, as well as offering licences for companies to explore for even more fossil fuels.
Campaigners will highlight how solutions to the climate crisis such as insulating our homes and investing in affordable renewable energy are essential to tackling the cost of living crisis.
The March will gather at St Andrew Square in Edinburgh at 12 noon on Saturday 12 November.
Friends of the Earth Scotland’s head of campaigns Mary Church said: “The climate crisis demands action on a global scale. Governments and corporations are adding fuel to the fire by going after more fossil fuels and fantasy techno-fixes that will only serve to delay action and line the pockets of the rich.
“We are marching to demand real solutions that will halt climate breakdown and improve ordinary peoples’ lives – an end to fossil fuels and a just transition to safe, affordable renewables.
“We see the suffering of climate impacted people around the world and we stand in solidarity with them and in particular with the people of Egypt who are being denied their human rights by a brutal regime.”
Extinction Rebellion Scotland are joining the march and highlighted the key issue from the UN climate talks of Loss and Damage. This is when the destruction from climate change is so great that it cannot be avoided or adapted to, and the people affected need compensation for their loss.
Joan Forehand, from Extinction Rebellion Scotland, commented: “None of us are going to be insulated from the climate crisis but there is terrible injustice and unfairness to this catastrophe.
“The wealthy have caused the most emissions, yet it is the poorest of humanity who are going to suffer disproportionately. Their natural resources have been extracted to create wealth for others. They are losing their homes, their futures and their lands and they don’t have the resources to protect themselves or rebuild their lives.
“It’s only fair that loss and damage payments are given to those who will suffer the most from this crisis, through no fault of their own. Without the justice of loss and damage, efforts to avoid ever worsening climate breakdown will stall and everyone will suffer.”
Luke Henderson, Coordinator of the Edinburgh Climate Coalition, explained why their grassroots group are involved in organising and promoting the march: “It is clear that our government won’t act urgently enough to reduce climate changing emissions and so it is up to us, the people, to push them into action.
“We have seen the huge impact that ordinary people can have through movements like Black Lives Matter and the #MeToo campaign. We need everyone who cares about the environment to show it to the world by joining this mass mobilisation.”
“It is fantastic that so many significant environment campaigns in Scotland are working together to promote the Edinburgh march and the energy and vibrancy of activists is going to create some fantastic art, music and excitement for the public to engage with and enjoy along the march route.
“Getting on the streets to save our planet could not be a more important issue, and this time having your say will be fun!”
Organised by the Edinburgh Climate Coalition, Climate Justice Coalition, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, Friends of the Earth Scotland, Global Justice Now, Extinction Rebellion Scotland, Tipping Point, BankTrack, Jubilee Scotland, Scot.E3 and others.
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