Local groups from across North Wales will join thousands across the UK and millions across the world this Saturday, 12 November, to march for climate justice.
Setting off from Caernarfon Castle Square at 1pm, the event is called “A Funeral of Promises” to highlight the UK Government’s broken promises on the climate and environment, and will march through the town carrying a cardboard coffin of broken government promises.
The event is part of a Global Day of Action to mark COP27 in Egypt, the largest annual gathering of world leaders on climate action this November. In 2015, at the historic Paris Agreement, world leaders agreed to limit the temperature increase greenhouse emissions to 1.5 degrees. However last week the UN issued its direst warning yet, saying it saw “no credible pathway to 1.5°C in place”.
The event will have speakers from North Wales Africa Society speak about the impacts of climate change in Africa and will highlight the urgent need for a fast and globally fair transition to a climate friendly economy, and steps we can take locally. There will be activities and information, and a performance from the newly formed XR Bangor samba band.
COP27 was launched last Sunday 6 November, with many countries still not having followed through on pledges made last year in Glasgow at COP26. We are currently on track for an increase of warming and at risk of reaching tipping points that will make change irreversible.
The latest United Nations report says that a 45% cut in emissions by 2030 is the only way of keeping 1.5°C pledge alive, and could only be achieved by “urgent system-wide transformation”, especially fundamental changes to our energy, food and financial systems. Yet, BP and Shell recorded £15.3 billion in profits between them from July to September, while many people are worrying they will have to choose between heating or eating this winter.
Morris Owen, a framer from Brynsiencyn said, “Global temperatures are rising. Energy bills are rising. Billionaire profits are rising. While people are being forced to choose between heating and eating, energy companies are making record-breaking profits. To stop this crisis we need real government action that cuts carbon, tackles inequality and ends the injustices in our world.”
Ayeisha Hughes, who works at Bangor University, said: “Our planet is getting closer to dangerous tipping points. It’s time for us all to come together and hold those in power accountable as their inaction is already costing human lives. I want a healthy planet for children alive today.
“The poorest countries- who have contributed the least to global warming – are paying the price with famines, floods, crop failures, fires and rising poverty. Yet the UK Government is refusing to listen and is ramping up more fossil fuels, removing nature protections, and cutting wages. We need real climate solutions and a transition to a green economy.”
Photos: COP Rally in Bangor 2021
