Climate crisis: Campaigners to hold ‘Vigil for the Planet’

‘THIS IS THE LAST CHANCE TO SAVE OUR PLANET’: Claire Gribben, coordinator of Hull Friends of the Earth

Green groups will gather in Hull on Saturday, as tens of thousands march and rally in Glasgow and London.

Environmental campaigners are holding a day of action in Trinity Square between 10am and 2pm.

As world leaders meet in Glasgow for the COP26 Global UN Climate Summit, towns and cities across the globe are taking to the streets to demand climate justice.

In Hull, activists and faith groups will assemble in Trinity Square in support of the COP26 Coalition’s demand for urgent and meaningful action at the UN Climate Summit in Glasgow.

The local event, organised by Hull Friends of the Earth, aims to raise awareness of climate change and the need for immediate action based on fair and just solutions.

Stalls, information and activities will focus on raising awareness of the threats communities face and reminding politicians what is at stake.

There will be details of what people can all do to help secure a viable future for the planet.

At 11.15am, a flash mob of Rubbish Friends will tackle litter around the square, and at noon the bells of Hull Minster will ring out, followed by a two-minute silence and 15 minutes of prayer for the planet.

Other green groups taking part include The Shorelines Project, Rubbish Friends Hull, CycHull City, Transition and Permaculture Hull, Hull Food Partnership, Timebank Hull and East Riding, Gardens and Open Spaces Hull, Hull Trees, Fossil Free Yorkshire, Humane Being, Pickering Road Community Orchard, and Hull Carbon Neutral.

Organisers say it will be a relaxed and family-friendly event with lots of opportunity to discuss the effects of climate change and the solutions needed.

Claire Gribben, coordinator of Hull Friends of the Earth, said: “This is a critical time and a last chance for our planet, its people and wildlife.

“In Hull, we’re particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. But we’re also a city with a proud history of demanding justice – as exemplified by the likes of William Wilberforce and Lillian Bilocca.

“That’s why we’re standing in solidarity with people around the world to demand climate justice. We’ve already made progress with offshore wind energy and I want our city to be a global leader in making a just transition to tackle climate change.”

The Reverend Canon Dominic Black, Vicar and Lecturer of Hull Minster, said: “Over the summer we were delighted to host Luke Jerram’s Gaia the Earth exhibition.

“Thousands of people came through the doors to admire the stunning beauty of our green and blue planet. This precious gift is now under threat, the time to act is now, for our children and grandchildren and the rich ecosystem of plants and animals of which we are a part.”

Jonny Winn, project manager at DA Creative - Rights: Community: Action - The Shorelines Project, said: “Supporting Friends of the Earth on Saturday in collaboration with The Shorelines Project strengthens the message on climate change.

“This collaboration, along with city-wide art installations, will continue to provoke the debate on this crucial message. The ‘Time Is Now’ to make a change both locally and globally.”

Debbie Brooks of Rubbish Friends said: “We are delighted to be supporting Hull Friends of the Earth this Saturday and demonstrating one way how each of us can make a contribution every day in our own neighbourhood.”

Simultaneous satellite events are taking place in Glasgow, London, Nottingham, Chichester, Manchester, Cardiff, Bristol, Oxford, Newcastle, Leeds, Truro, Swansea, Sheffield, Birmingham and Plymouth.