'This world belongs to everyone' Why climate campaigners are set to march in Leeds
Climate and justice campaigners will gather in Leeds to send a message to world leaders meeting in Brazil for the COP30 conference.
Dozens of groups are set to gather in Merrion Gardens on Saturday afternoon before marching through the city centre to call for urgent action on climate change.
The event is led by the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Justice Coalition, which brings together environmental activists, Trade Unionists and groups working for social and racial justice.
There will be speeches from politicians and they aim to send their messages to world leaders in Brazil and to politicians in Westminster.
Ellen Robottom, spokesperson for the Yorkshire & Humber Climate Justice Coalition, which organised the event, said: “Everyone knows that we have to take urgent action to stop our
climate from breaking down.
“We’ve all seen the devastation in Jamaica caused by mega-storm Melissa. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
“The good news is that we have the know-how, the technology, and the money, to create a clean and safe future for everyone.
“The challenge is getting political and business leaders to do what’s needed and do it as fast as possible. That’s why we’re coming together, to remind our leaders that this world belongs to everyone.”
Stuart Bootham, from Just Transition Wakefield, added: “We need a fast and fair economic transition to build a secure future for everyone.
“Here in Yorkshire, we know all about unfair economic transitions. Just look at what happened to our mining communities in the 1980s, and to our textile workers.
“We’re determined not to let anything like that happen again.
“We can invest in training for workers and build the infrastructure we need for the clean economy of the future.
“There are thousands of good jobs involved in making or installing wind turbines and solar panels, as well as building well insulated homes that are cheaper to heat.”
Simon Bowens, from Friends of the Earth, said: "Across the world we're seeing the devastating impact that climate-driven extreme weather is having on communities - most recently in Jamaica and South East Asia.
“Politicians and decision makers meeting in Brazil must listen to those in Leeds, and right across the planet, who are demanding they act with courage and determination at this most critical juncture.
“That means doing everything in their power to call time on fossil fuels, halt deforestation, accelerate the transition to clean energy and restore nature."