To coincide with the COP26 meetings in Glasgow, last Saturday was designated Global Day of Action for Climate Justice. There were around 100 demonstrations in the UK and 100’s in other countries worldwide. In Leeds a small group of local Churches from Chapel Allerton and Meanwood joined a throng of organisations – including many Environmental groups, Trade Unions, Fair Trade organisations, The Salvation Army, and Tearfund – in Millenium Square prior to a march round the city centre. They included one member of MBC and several former members now with other churches.
We followed the banner of the Chapel Allerton and Meanwood churches, with one side reading “No Copping Out”. The atmosphere was friendly and enthusiastic as we listened to speeches urging us to chant “What do we want? Climate Justice. When do we want it? NOW”. The emphasis was on the need for fine words to lead to real change and particularly for justice for the developing nations, many of which are experiencing the most immediate consequences of global warming whilst being the smallest emitters of greenhouse gases. Surely all Christians can join with others in working for Global Justice?
We then set off following the Unite union brass band to march into City Square (where we passed the impressive 8 metre cube which shows what just 1 tonne of CO2 looks like); then along Boar Lane to The Headrow and back up Cookridge Street to Millenium Square.
Here we were entertained by the band and could begin to reflect on the event:
- What impact did the March have on the shoppers who had to wait to cross the roads or whose buses were held up for 15minutes? – some looked with curiosity and took photos, others pushed across the long chain of marchers (all of whom politely paused to let them pass)
- How good the wordings on the Tearfund placards were!! How great to meet up with old friends!
- What is our own individual carbon footprint? And how many of those huge cubes of CO2 are we producing every year?
- Are we really prepared to change our consumerist lifestyles to help people in far off lands who have the misfortune to be in the forefront of the consequences of Climate Change?
- Are we even thinking of our children and grandchildren?
In many ways going on a demonstration is an uplifting and enjoyable day out, with a strong sense of belonging with fellow marchers. BUT it is what we do now, after COP26 is no longer in the headlines, which will be the real test.