Members of Extinction Rebellion were recently in Wimborne, reading aloud the words of climate activists from the Global South.
They were marking COP28 in Dubai, the annual United Nations conference tasked with addressing climate change.
They stood on the River Allen pedestrian bridge and spoke to passersby for three mornings.
“We spoke to hundreds of residents, and the overwhelming majority were concerned about climate change,” said local campaigner Rosemary Lunt.
“We want to raise awareness that many countries in the Global South are already suffering climate catastrophes, including drought and food insecurity, floods, heatwaves, and wildfires,” continued Rosemary.
The Global South refers to various countries around the world, sometimes described as developing, less developed, or underdeveloped. These countries have contributed the least to climate change but are suffering the worst impacts.
Ten members of Extinction Rebellion Wimborne read the words of climate activists from India, Kenya, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, the Solomon Islands, and Uganda.
“With terrible conflicts happening in the world and the constant worry of the cost of living, it’s easy to forget the urgent need for action on climate change by all governments, including our own, if we want to ensure a liveable planet for humanity,” said fellow campaigner Joanna Bury.
“We call for a rapid phase-out of fossil fuels and no new oil or gas projects. Not only is this vital for reducing climate change, but renewable energy will also provide homegrown, affordable energy that is not subject to the whims and wars of foreign tyrants. It’s not too late; we can still avoid the worst of climate change if governments act now.”
And what is the stated aim of Extinction Rebellion Wimborne’s actions?
“We need to change the national conversation so that our government has no choice but to act to protect all our futures,” said Joanna.
See Extinction Rebellion Wimborne’s website https://www.xrwimborne.org
