Video: Hundreds join COP26 Global Day of Action in Birmingham

Hundreds of demonstrators in Birmingham joined the COP26 Global Day of Action for climate justice.

The campaigners met at Millennium Point at midday before marching through the city centre to demand “Climate Justice Now”.

Young and old, including children, stood side by side to urge leaders to take action to address the climate crisis.

Banners, slogans and a giant model of a bird were held above heads all with the same message - one planet, one chance.

More than 50,000 attended the COP26 Global Day of Action in Glasgow where the leaders of the world are gathered to address the issues of global warming.

Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg has denounced the talks as a PR exercise, saying all leaders talk about is blah,

What did the Birmingham COP26 Global Day of Action campaigners say?

Adrian said: “I’m very concerned that the government, particularly in the UK isn’t doing enough to combat climate change. I’m 66, I’m retired. Hopefully the climate will be all right for the rest of my life.

“But what about our children and grandchildren. I think our generation has a duty to put right the changes that are happening, or the opportunities won’t be there for younger generations.

Ted said: “I’ll be dead before the planet burns. But It’s to show the government that people care and that they’ve got to act. All the major users of coal have not taken part in teh agreement. So I’m worried that there won’t be enought action at COP26.

Alice said: “It’s really important that we show our support for climate justice. I feel hopeful.”

Matthew said: “It’s affecting a lot of people now in a really direct way. And while it’s not, yet, directly affecting us. It affects all for us as dramatically we need to stand up for those people who are being affected.

“We hope this rally shows the leaders just how angry people are. They say they’re doing their best, but they’re not. We need to be thankful for some of the small steps that have been taken.”

Victoria said: “I’m hoping thousands and millions of people will start getting the message out to Boris and the government. We haven’t got a second to lose. I can’t believe they are still talking about ten years time. We need action now.”

Who organised the COP26 Global Day of Action in Birmingham?

The Birmingham rally was organised by several groups including Surfers against Sewage, student organisations and West Midlands Friends of the Earth.

Nicky Manu, 20, a University of Birmingham medical student, who set up a student bloc for the demonstration is calling for legally binding targets to prevent temperature rises and for the government to bring forward the Net Zero goal from 2050 to 2030 or 2025.

Chris Crean of West Midlands Friends of the Earth – also attended the protest.

He said: “The UK government won’t be taken seriously on the climate crisis while it continues to fund fossil fuel developments overseas.

“Ministers must end these damaging investments completely, including pulling the plug on $1bn of public money pledged to help build a huge climate-wrecking mega-gas project in Mozambique.

“Instead, the UK government should increase climate finance and support for countries struggling with the impacts of climate breakdown and help them build the low-carbon economies that are so urgently needed.”

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