"Not everything rests on what goes on in that conference centre"- Protesters Take to the Streets on the Global Day of Action

WWF Mascot at Kelvingrove Park for the climate change protest on November 6th. Photo by Lucette Wood

Thousands took to the streets of Glasgow yesterday in adverse weather marching to demand climate justice. Over 300 events took place across the world in unison for the COP26 Coalition Global day of action.

In Glasgow, around 100,000 people joined the march starting in Kelvingrove park and finishing Glasgow Green where a rally took place with music and guest speakers.

Ugandan climate activist Vanessa Nakate addressing the crowd of protestors said: “The climate and ecological crises are already here. But so are citizens from around the globe.”

The march was organised into blocs with groups representing different climate issues such as Indigenous and frontline communities, Trade unions and Health justice.

 In the Nature and Biodiversity bloc was conservation organisation WWF. Lang Banks Director of WWF Scotland said: “We are here to show that we want action from the world leaders inside the conference centre. We want to make sure that when they leave Glasgow that puts us on a path closer to 1.5 that is good for people, good for nature and we are hoping that they are gonna listen to us.

“We have seen though in the first few days a slew of announcements which could push the dial a lot closer to where we need to be. But of course, we need those promises to be kept and we have seen a track record of promises been broken by world leaders.”

There is concern from climate activists that the conference will not be successful in creating any meaningful change but still, activists remain determined. 

Banks said: “I’d say not everything rests on what goes on in that conference centre. We are already losing wildlife at a terrible rate so we must act now. It is not over after Glasgow. We would like them to put us on a better path but if they don't we will just need to redouble our efforts and go again.”