Charlotte Church, Vivienne Westwood and Radiohead’s Thom Yorke lead the rallying cry of climate change protestors who flocked onto the streets on London in their tens of thousands to protest the world’s overreliance on fossil fuels.
Millions of people took part in global climate marches yesterday to urge the 80 world leaders attending the UN Climate Summit in Paris, including Barack Obama, Xi Jinping, David Cameron and Narendra Modi, to invest in renewable energy.
Following the atrocities that took place in Paris French authorities prohibited Parisians from gathering in crowds on the streets, instead protestors left a poignant collection of neatly lined shoes to represent those who would have attended.
Campaign group Avaaz’s deputy director, Emma Ruby-Sachs, said in the runup to the event: “Now it’s even more important for people everywhere to march on the weekend of November 29 on behalf of those who can’t, and show that we are more determined to meet the challenges facing humanity with hope, not fear.”
Avaaz are the world’s biggest global web movement that endeavours to bring people-powered politics to the forefront.
Thom Yorke played DJ to the ‘March of the Polar Bears’ from Greenpeace’s bloc, a snowy float teeming with puppets and arctic-themed costumes which aimed to raise awareness for the need to protect the polar caps.
Welsh songstress and outspoken firebrand Charlotte Church also performed along musician and activist Peter Gabriel who joined school children who have been learning about renewable energy.
Greenpeace UK’s executive director, John Sauven, said: “The Paris climate conference is a chance for David Cameron to help make the world a better, safer place. A race is underway between rising temperatures and the roll-out of renewable energy.
“The odds are on renewable to win. The prime minister should help by promoting the burgeoning renewable energy industry which can provide us with competitive, home-grown energy as well as jobs.”
The tragedy in Paris didn’t put campaigners off taking to the streets, Nicholas Haeringer, France campaigner for global climate change group 350.org, said: “The tragedy in Paris has only strengthened our resolve.
“This movement for climate justice has always also been a movement for peace – a way for people around the world to come together, no matter their background or religion, and fight to protect our common home.”
The march was organised by a range of more than 100 British organisations such as Oxfam and the WWF.
Seven cities including New Delhi, Cairo, Alexandria, Berlin and Hong Kong took part in the Global Climate Walks on Sunday morning.
They joined around 150 countries hosting around 2,173 events being held all over around the world.
Picture courtesy of Sebastian Ilari, with thanks
