Report

Climate: thousands of environmental activists warn of the British government's inaction

Audio 01:15

Extinction Rebellion activists protest in London, Britain, April 23, 2023. REUTERS - HENRY NICHOLLS

Text by: RFI Follow

2 min

The demonstration brings together tens of thousands of people. Extinction Rebellion, the environmental movement that advocates civil disobedience, as well as 200 associations, have pitched their tents for three days in front of Westminster to warn about the inaction of the government.

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With our correspondent in London, Marie Boëda

"No nature, no future." The placards hang against the gates of the British Parliament, at the foot of Big Ben and the Thames. A demonstration that will have no impact on the population, Chris explains: "We do not want to bother the public. We want to change consciences. Some associate our actions with aggression, but that's not who we are. We are ordinary citizens.

Four years ago, Extinction Rebellion paralyzed much of central London, with streets closed and buses diverted. This time is different.

What do we want? #ClimateJustice!
When do we want it? Now!

Without nature there's no future so communities around the world must come together.
People Power!
#UniteForNature #LossAndDamage
Friday Barilule of the Lekeh Foundation leads the Biodiversity March in #London pic.twitter.com/GsKUUQQQiq

— XRUK_Actions (@XRUK_Actions) April 23, 2023

For an awareness of the issue

Standing with a wad of paper in her hands, Phoebe answers questions from curious people who come to venture. "For these movements to work," she says, "you need two different types of groups. We need Extinction Rebellion which organizes marches, peaceful demonstrations, and we also need Just Stop Oil which makes more direct, disruptive actions that make the headlines.

Phil enjoys a vegetable dish prepared by a volunteer. According to him, it is not sure that the population has become aware of the climate issue: "It's difficult to say; As long as it doesn't directly affect people, it's going to be hard to change them. "As for the government, it is not keeping its promises," he adds. Four years ago, he acknowledged the climate emergency and has done nothing since. »

► Read also: Droughts, floods, 2022, the year of all climate disasters according to the WMO

Extinction Rebellion activists in London, Britain, April 23, 2023. REUTERS - HENRY NICHOLLS

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• United Kingdom
• Climate change