On an unseasonably warm November day, Bristolians gathered to mark the COP 27 climate summit, which many believe will fail to result in meaningful action on climate change.
The rally and march were notable for the range of groups represented, from Bristol Airport Action Network to Just Stop Oil, the RMT, People’s Assembly Against Austerity, Tipping Point UK and even Bristol Cathedral, represented by Jonnie Parkin.
Around 400 people attended the rally and marched through the city centre. The rally coincided with similar demos across the country, all calling out the failure of the COP process to achieve change.
World leaders are currently in Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt for the 27th Conference of Parties (COP) summit, intended to lead the world in addressing the climate crisis. Throughout the entire 28 year history of COP global emissions have continued to rise, calling into question the efficacy of the summit.
The rally came just days after the conclusion of a two-day High Court hearing to decide the next step of Bristol Airport expansion. Following a decision earlier this year by planning inspectors to approve the expansion, campaigners with BAAN launched a High Court appeal, arguing that the inspectors were wrong to disregard the climate impacts of the expansion.
Did you go this protest? What did you think? Let us know in the comments or at thebristolactivist@protonmail.com.