Hundreds gather in Dublin to urge global action on climate change
almost 4 years in The Irish Times
Climate protests have got under way across Ireland and in the UK to urge action at crucial Cop26 international talks taking place in Glasgow.
Hundreds of people gathered at the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin for the country’s main demonstration – while protests are also taking place in Galway, Cork and Limerick.
Protest in Dublin. Photograph: Jack Power
In Northern Ireland, protesters congregated in Belfast ahead of a noisy and colourful march through the city centre before a planned rally at City Hall.
In Glasgow, protesters braved pouring rain and winds to march through the Scottish city where the United Nations climate conference is being held. Climate activists, trade unionists, politicians and other groups were part of thousands of marchers, amid a significant police presence.
A fire engine, women covered in moss and Poseidon on stilts have all turned out for the protest in Glasgow, while a group of children guided a display featuring what appeared to be a large snake wearing glasses through Kelvingrove Park.
Protester in Dublin. Photograph: Jack Power
In London, hundreds of protesters gathered at the Bank of England for the start of a march through the city, banging steel drums, chanting “one solution” and waving Extinction Rebellion banners reading “tell the truth”.
In total, some 200 events are taking place across the world, organisers of the Cop26 Coalition said.
The marches come after thousands of youth activists, including Greta Thunberg and Vanessa Nakate marched through Glasgow on Friday protesting against investment in fossil fuels and failure to tackle the climate crisis.
Protesters in Dublin. Photograph: Jack Power
Jason Cook (54) from Wootton Bassett said he and two friends were marching through Glasgow because: “We don’t want to hear any more blah, blah, blah.”
Dave Knight (51), another protester, said: “[There has been] lots of words, but we really need action – the end of fossil fuels as soon as possible.”
He also said “significantly more investment” was needed in renewables. – PA
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