Members of Extinction Rebellion gathered in Wimborne this week to raise awareness about climate issues by reading aloud the words of climate activists from the Global South.
Their presence on the River Allen pedestrian bridge aimed to mark COP28 in Dubai, the crucial United Nations conference addressing the escalating climate crisis.
Over three mornings, 10 activists handed out leaflets and talked to members of the public.
Campaigner Rosemary Lunt said: “We spoke to hundreds of residents, and the overwhelming majority were concerned about climate change.”
The focus extended to shedding light on the harsh realities faced by Global South nations, which contribute minimally to climate change but endure its severest impacts.
“We want to raise awareness that many countries in the Global South are already suffering climate catastrophes including drought and food insecurities, floods, heatwaves and wildfires,” added Rosemary.
The Global South refers to various countries around the world, sometimes described as developing, less developed or underdeveloped.
Ten members of Extinction Rebellion Wimborne read the words of climate activists from India, Kenya, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands and Uganda
Fellow campaigner Joanna Bury emphasised the pressing need for action by all governments, calling for a rapid phase-out of fossil fuels.
The activists echoed a vision for a renewable energy future, free from the geopolitical complexities of fossil fuels.
Joanna said: “It’s not too late; we can still avoid the worst of climate change if governments act now. With terrible conflicts happening in the world, and the constant worry of the cost of living, it’s easy to forget the urgent need for action on climate change by all governments – including our own – if we want to ensure a liveable planet for humanity.”
Extinction Rebellion Wimborne says it wants the government to act to protect all of our futures.
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