Merton Friends of the Earth, along with over 60 other groups such as Greenpeace and Extinction Rebellion, participated in a Climate Justice March over the weekend. The march began at the British Museum and culminated at 10 Downing Street in a powerful display of activism.
The demonstration was a response to the recent US election results, which saw the re-election of climate change denier Donald Trump. Additionally, the march coincided with the UN’s Cop29 climate summit in oil-rich Azerbaijan, where world leaders gathered to discuss crucial environmental issues.
Auriel Glanville, a dedicated member of Merton Friends of the Earth, expressed her motivation for participating in the march. She highlighted the urgent need to address the climate emergency, citing recent natural disasters like floods, wildfires, and droughts. Auriel emphasized the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, urging for immediate action to protect our planet and all its inhabitants.
During the march, Auriel reunited with Phil Thornhill, a key figure in organizing climate change protests through the Campaign Against Climate Change. Their encounter dates back to a significant moment when Phil invited Auriel to embody the role of “The Statue” during George W. Bush’s presidency. Since then, Auriel has been actively leading climate change marches both in the UK and abroad, advocating for environmental conservation and sustainability.
The images captured during the march, including Auriel Glanville standing outside 10 Downing Street alongside fellow protesters holding banners, serve as a poignant reminder of the collective efforts to address climate change and hold leaders accountable for their environmental policies.
The participation of diverse groups and passionate individuals in events like the Climate Justice March signifies a growing global movement towards environmental awareness and activism. It is crucial for communities to come together, raise their voices, and demand action from policymakers to combat climate change and safeguard the future of our planet.
