Millions of protesters have taken to the streets across the globe to demand that governments take real action on the climate crisis.
Protests took place on the streets of Southampton throughout Friday, September 20. They included a protest at Carnival HQ, a meeting at October Books in Portswood, a clothes swap in Guildhall Square, a samba band, litter picking, a funeral procession and more.
During the afternoon, protesters staged an alternative catwalk and a ‘die in’ at Primark in the city centre, laying on the shop floor to protest against ‘fast fashion’.
” We’re trying to highlight the fact that the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions, more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined, and to highlight positive alternatives,” said one of the Extinction Rebellion protesters, who was handing out leaflets encouraging people to buy second hand clothes, learn to repair their clothing and hold clothes swaps with friends.
Ahead of the day, the organisers of the Southampton event said: “In August 2018, at the age of 15, Greta Thunberg took time off school to demonstrate outside the Swedish parliament holding up a sign calling for bold climate action. This simple action inspired over a million school children to strike worldwide earlier this year. The next such strike is Friday 20th September and there will be protests all over the world, including Southampton’s Guildhall Square.
“Climate change is already happening, it is too late to prevent it, we need our leaders to start taking it seriously to give future generations a hope of coping with it. Please drop by in your lunch break and show your support for the striking students. A march around the city is planned to leave the square just after midday. You should join us, and the millions in cities all over the world who are supporting this cause.”
Are you taking part in the Climate Strike in Southampton? Tell us about your views and experience by emailing editor@in-common.co.uk
