Our Climate Conversation

The 4-day event saw the Worcestershire group picket outside DEFRA, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, because our County suffers from flooding and pollution in particular. Dressed as skulls and holding signs that spelled ‘Deathra’ they delivered a powerful message that the Department, led by MP Therese Coffey, is not doing its job of protecting the environment. Parliament’s Climate Change Committee ranks DEFRA as by far the worst performing department. Despite UK prominent involvement in the recent COP15 resolution to protect 30% of the Earth’s wild habitat by 2030, the department has so far avoided publishing policy actions that would meet this commitment - only 5% protected so far.

On Saturday, Earth Day, everyone dressed as one of nature’s creatures for a march around Whitehall. The rally was addressed by wildlife presenter Chris Packham who said,”Caring is not enough – this is the time to step up, step outside your comfort zone and take action. Come on people, let’s sort it out because this is our last chance.”

One of hundreds of memorable placards stressed the plight of flying insects that have declined by 64% since 2004:”If we go then we’ll take all of you with us”.

The climax of the procession for Earth Day was when the thousands staged a “die-in” by lying on the pavement in the Mall in silence – aiming to represent the potential future extinction of humanity due to global heating.

French tourists remarked on how peaceful and well-stewarded this protest was, compared with what they see at home. Organisers worked with police on this occasion to ensure minimal disruption and provided over 1000 volunteer stewards. There were many families with young children taking part.