Mothers Rebellion in Boscombe calls for faster climate action

International climate movement Mothers Rebellion gathered on Boscombe High Street on Sunday to call for stronger action on climate change.

Mothers Rebellion forms part of Extinction Rebellion BCP’s wider ‘A Better World Is Possible’ campaign.

The peaceful protest aimed to raise awareness of how climate change disproportionately affects women and vulnerable communities.

Campaigners formed a circle, holding signs and singing songs to highlight their concerns.

The event focused on bringing mothers and daughters together, but welcomed anyone who shared their concerns about climate change.

Liz Brereton, from Extinction Rebellion Bournemouth Christchurch Poole (BCP), called on politicians to hold oil and gas companies accountable.

She argued that profits paid to shareholders should instead help fund the transition to green energy.

When asked why this issue was particularly important to her she said: “It should be because I’m a human being. It should be important to absolutely everybody.”

Attendees also wanted to highlight climate-related challenges, including food shortages, droughts and floods, which is increasingly affecting communities around the world.

Despite these concerns, Brereton remained optimistic about the possibility of change.

“There’s a lot of people we don’t always hear about who are working on projects to make things better, so I don’t have empty hope,” she said.

Adam Osman, who also represents Extinction Rebellion BCP, called for communities to work together to tackle climate change.

He said: “We need to come together as a community, as a whole city, and change how we live completely.”

Osman also highlighted his concerns for the future generations and emphasized the need for immediate action.

He said: “The future and challenges that they are going to face does seriously worry me.”

Sunday’s event follows recent protests at Bournemouth Civic Centre over a proposal to increase Parley incinerator’s annual capacity from 60,000 tonnes to 105,000 tonnes.

Residents and climate activists have raised concerns about the proposal’s potential environmental impact. They have also argued that more sustainable alternatives should be considered.

Donations for the campaign help fund banners, leaflets and meeting spaces for future protests.

Further information and details on how to support the campaign are available through Extinction Rebellion BCP’s Instagram account and its Chuffed fundraising page⁠.