Futures Forum: Climate change > Extinction Rebellion "striking at the end of the world"
Tomorrow is Earth Hour:
Futures Forum: Earth Hour: 8.30pm: Saturday 30th March
It will also be Extinction Rebellions' latest foray into the streets of Exeter:
'Day of rebellion' planned for city centre on Saturday
But Extinction Rebellion say it will be less disruptive than previous protests
Howard Lloyd
29 MAR 2019
Environmental activists will descend on Exeter this weekend in an attempt to raise awareness over climate change.
Saturday's four-hour 'day of rebellion' event starts on Howell Road at 11am before heading into the High Street.
The event has been organised by Extinction Rebellion, a 'non-violent civil disobedience group' who hit the headlines earlier this month after holding up traffic near Devon County Hall .
Extinction Rebellion spokesperson Amber Wren stressed Saturday's event would not be as disruptive, and said it was an opportunity to learn more about the group's message.
"I know that roadblock caused people to be frustrated and that is understandable – that type of action is disruptive and that is the intention," she said.
"This one will not be so disruptive – it is a way of us being out on the street, inviting questions and talking about anything that people aren’t sure about. We are meeting people face to face and are open to discussions and concerns that people have. We want to have those discussions and conversations with people.
"We trust the scientist and the planet is unhealthy and it is only going to get worse unless the powers that be put something in place. This is not about targeting individuals, it is about government inaction."
The group's aim is to prompt major change from the UK Government when it comes to tackling climate change.
A post on the group's Facebook page says: "We must act now to raise awareness and call on the government to take urgent action. The health of our planet is in fast decline, we are facing a climate emergency. We need top down action from our government, to help us make the necessary changes. And we need it now!"
Amber continued: "This is a family-friendly protest march to get the message out.
Extinction Rebellion Campaigners outside County Hall (Image: Daniel Clark)
"The more people we can get to understand the message that the government is failing us and not doing what they should be doing for the health of the planet, the better.
"It is a horrible thing for people to accept and think about and we are all trying to live our daily lives. I completely understand it is not something we want to stop and think about but it really is bad. We need to all join together to shake the grip of toxic handshake that the government has got us into."
The group has not been without controversy. Four people were arrested for aggravated trespass and two for criminal damage at the end of the Yeovil Rebellion Day in January. When holding up traffic earlier this month, someone claiming to be a hospital worker said their actions were putting patients' lives in danger.
'Day of rebellion' planned for city centre on Saturday - Devon Live
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"The more people we can get to understand the message that the government is failing us and not doing what they should be doing for the health of the planet, the better.
"It is a horrible thing for people to accept and think about and we are all trying to live our daily lives. I completely understand it is not something we want to stop and think about but it really is bad. We need to all join together to shake the grip of toxic handshake that the government has got us into."
The group has not been without controversy. Four people were arrested for aggravated trespass and two for criminal damage at the end of the Yeovil Rebellion Day in January. When holding up traffic earlier this month, someone claiming to be a hospital worker said their actions were putting patients' lives in danger.
'Day of rebellion' planned for city centre on Saturday - Devon Live
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