Extinction Rebellion + Youth Strike for Climate Justice - Protests in Nottingham

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NCTI

ON R EBEL LION YOUT + H ST RIKE for CLIM ATE JUST ICE Prote st s in N ottin gham

ALAN LODGE

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Think globally ...... .... act locally C

limate change is the biggest threat humanity has ever faced, yet the world continues to ignore it. With the loss of over 60% of animal species since 1970, we are already experiencing the 6th mass extinction on earth. The recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report has warned us that we have 12 years to keep our global temperature below 1.5°C or we will face dire consequences. At current rates, we are predicted to sail past that limit.

Climate destruction will be irreversible. Once the damage is done, there is no going back. This is not a problem that we can solve in the future, we have to act now, before it’s too late.

Extinction Rebellion Demands 1. Tell the truth Government must tell the truth by declaring a climate and ecological emergency, working with other institutions to communicate the urgency for change.

2. Act Now Government must act now to halt biodiversity loss and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025.

3. Beyond Politics Government must create and be led by the decisions of a Citizens’ Assembly on climate and ecological justice.

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Youth Stike 4 Climate Justice UK Strike - #YouthStrike4Climate They say: “Thousands of students across the world strike to protest lack of government action to combat our climate crisis.

We are choosing to rise up and take direct action where older generations have failed.

We are already facing devastating and irreversible impacts around the world. This is our final chance to fight for our futures, and our ages will not be what stop us.”

Green Party MP Caroline Lucas said: “Our children recognise that this is a climate emergency. They are striking this week because they know we cannot carry on as normal.

“Young people are watching as droughts, floods and storms devastate communities across the globe every day. They are watching as thousands of species go extinct. And they are watching the adults who run the world carry on as normal.

“Teachers work hard to prepare students for their future – but right now that future is at serious risk. It’s inspiring that this generation is already taking action to build a fairer, safer world. Those in government now must follow their lead.”

The students are demanding: 1. The Government declare a climate emergency and prioritise the protection of life on Earth, taking active steps to achieve climate justice.

2. The national curriculum is reformed to address the ecological crisis as an educational priority.

3. The Government communicate the severity of the ecological crisis and the necessity to act now to the general public.

4. The Government recognise that young people have the biggest stake in our future, by incorporating youth views into policy making and bringing the voting age down to 16.

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E: alan@alanlodge.co.uk W: http://alanlodge.uk Copyright © Alan Lodge 2019 Nottingham. UK

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Transcript of the speech by Sir David Attenborough COP24, Katowice, Poland

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our excellences, ladies and gentlemen. ‘We the peoples of the United Nations’.

These are the opening words of the UN Charter.

A charter that puts people at the centre.

A pledge to give every person in the world a voice on its future.

A promise to help protect the weakest and the strongest from war, famine and other man-made disasters.

Right now, we are facing a man-made disaster of global scale.

Our greatest threat in thousands of years. Climate Change.

If we don’t take action the collapse of our civilisations and the extinction of much of the natural world is on the horizon.

The United Nations provides a unique platform that can unite the whole world, and as the Paris agreement proved, together we can make real change happen.

At this crucial moment, the United Nations has invited the world’s people to have their voice heard, by giving them a seat. The People’s Seat; giving everyone the opportunity to join us here today, virtually, and speak directly to you the decision makers.

In the last two weeks, the world’s people have taken part in building this address, answering polls, sending video messages and voicing their opinions.

I am only here to represent the ‘Voice of the People’: to deliver our collective thoughts, concerns, ideas and suggestions.

The world’s people have spoken. Their message is clear. Time is running out. They want you, the decision makers, to act now. They are behind you, along with civil society represented here today.

Supporting you in making tough decisions but also willing to make sacrifices in their daily lives.

To help make change happen, the UN is launching the Act Now bot.

Helping people to discover simple everyday actions that they can take, because they recognize that they too must play their part.

The People have spoken. Leaders of the world, you must lead. The continuation of our civilisations and the natural world upon which we depend, is in your hands.

3rd December 2018

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