I have been concerned about the state of our planet and what we are doing to it for decades. I have been involved with various groups over the years, but Extinction Rebellion has been getting the headlines recently. I have not formally joined any group yet, but I support their aims. Last night I was watching a documentary about climate change (probably UK only) and that pushed me into doing more than just clicking on petitions.
You can see I was advertising Steem, but I didn't manage to sign anyone up.
Today I headed into London to join in some protests that have been going on all week. Dedicated people have been blockading certain areas to draw attention to this vital issue.
My daughter was keen to go and so we caught the train. We met up with some others who were heading there, including some who had already been. @voxxov and @todayslight were among them. The others headed straight to Parliament Square. Daughter and I walked from Blackfriar's to Waterloo Bridge where lots of trees had been placed to create a garden. There was a ceilidh band on the truck and daughter had a dance. There were people under the truck glued to it to prevent it being moved. Police were taking other people away one by one, but it was all very calm. Each time a person was taken (carried by four or more officers) the crowd would cheer and shout 'we love you'. It is all about peaceful protest so that the police have no excuse for extreme measures. We were asked to move on by the police, but there was no other action on those just hanging around.
We then walked to Parliament Square where several streets were blocked off. That was a bit quieter as the protesters were spread out. It was busy with tourist groups who may have wondered what was going on.
There are always protest marches going on in London. As we walked on there was a big one of current and ex-soldiers protesting about some of them being prosecuted for killings in Northern Ireland.
Our final stop was in Oxford Circus which is in the centre of London's shopping area. A pink sailing boat had been parked in the middle. This was surrounded by police to stop any more people attaching themselves to it. There was a big crowd gathered who were singing and chanting to show support. It has been a beautiful day ad the police were allowed to remove their jackets whilst we were there. It was a really good atmosphere with a real mix of people. Of course there were lots of the 'alternative' crowd you would expect, but I saw families, men in suits and a mix of ethnicities. This is not just a white, middle class issue.
This lady was doing a grand job of leading the chants.
This guy in his underpants was enjoying himself.
Here is some of the chanting.
Some will say this is all pointless, but when poiticians will not take action then people should speak out. It may inconvenience lives, but this is issue needs urgent, large scale action. We can each do a little individually, but we need governments to change policies. We cannot continue subsidising industries that actively harm the planet. Those that have an environment cost should be charged accordingly.
We were really glad we went, even if our contribution was minor. Future generations rely on us doing something right now.
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I recently saw protestors on BBC World camping on a crossroad in the center of London, this might be the conclusion?
I'd like to have seen the docu.
But netflix has the new series Our Planet with the revered Sir Attenborough too which is very good.
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That is where we were. I plan to watch Our Planet soon. Attenborough presented this documentary too. He's really seen how things have changed and obviously feels he has to speak out.
We need to shout about reform to save our environment, politicians turn a deaf ear and blind eye on the situation currently. Too much money involved.
Well done going out and being counted, spreading the word that needs to get shouted about.
Peaceful protest is one way to get the attention of politicians. We need many more people to get involved and show it is the will of the populace.
Here in South Africa people are getting together to physically clean rivers and beaches. Good to teach younger generation about the mess we have created with plastic, toxins in water and in the air.
Local efforts to clean things up are great too. The old saying of 'act locally, think globally' still applies. The Steem project @cleanplanet is a cool initiative.
Unfortunately nothing will change. Money rules today and this protest isn't going to matter one bit. I agree something needs to change but this wont work.
So what are we to do if we believe nothing can change? Revolutions still happen.
Yes revolutions do happen, but this doesn't look like a revolution. Firstly the people need to vote the right people into Parliament. You just have to look at the politicians today and they are horrendous. How weak is the politics when you have a guy like Corbyn leading the opposition.
The next elections will be interesting and neither of the big parties is impressing. I dread Farage doing well out of it.
Actions like this get more people involved in politics and that should be a good thing. My daughter is already getting political and her generation have to have their say. They have the right to be angry about what a mess we have made.
I agree and hopefully someone steps forward sometime soon. It needs to be thrown upside down to sort it out. Farage will only do well if the others are weak. It unfortunately may need that to get better and to fix the system.
Thank you for being there! Each of us should be doing all that we can.
We need to thank those who camp out all night and risk arrest.
Obviously! And they need to see support from people like you. There is a part for everyone to play.
I don't think i feel as strongly on these matters as you, perhaps i should watch those documentaries you mentioned, btw did the man in his pants get arrested?
I think we should all be worried about the future. It may be far worse than most people think.
I saw that guy later, so I assume he's okay. The police were only going for those actively blocking the road.
Perhaps you're right, the people that are glueing themselves to stuff is getting a bit out of hand too lol
Good job turning up!
They're obviously in the right the protestors so the government/ police have a difficult one!
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I was there - Will be going again next week and staying until i'm dragged away. It's a shame that most sheep, sorry, I mean people, are happy to walk towards extinction, I for one have decided to make some changes to my lifestyle, No more animals will I consume, I shall be selling my car also. If anyone wants a white KA 05 plate, let me know. These may seem like small things, but it's the least I can do. And a point for those who think there is no short term gains from for example only allowing electric motor vehicles to be driven, I say this, Bach, His music is for quiet playing/ listening, This world is too loud due to motor vehicles, electric cars will see the return of great music like Bach.
I was kind of wondering how many protests happen on any given day in London. It is interesting that you mention that. Looks like you had a great day supporting a worthy cause!
I expect they get marches to parliament or Downing Street all the time. It's part of our democracy. Not sure how much good it does, but it helps to get media coverage and these protests have had plenty
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Great, very great, a good think what you have made, my compliments for the T-shirt, very nice!!!
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Great job dear
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