Scots have to become world climate leaders
Civil disobedience campaign puts pressure on decision makers
EXTINCTION Rebellion yesterday launched a three-week campaign of non-violent direct action throughout Scotland to highlight the threat of climate change.
The activists pledged to carry out demonstrations in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness, Stirling and elsewhere in the country.
The campaign will include banner drops, flyposting, stickering, street performances and silent vigils.
The group said the protests had been “designed with Covid- 19 safety in mind”.
Entitled Make the Connections, its civil disobedience actions are aimed at raising awareness of “the collusion between the finance sector, Scottish and UK Government, and the fossil fuel industry, in particular North Sea oil and gas”.
Extinction Rebellion said the global finance sector has invested more than £2.2trillion in fossil fuels exploration and extraction since the 2015 Paris climate agreement.
The group said an industry survey found 43 per cent of offshore North Sea oil and gas workers have been furloughed or made redundant since March.
The survey also showed 81 per cent of workers said they would consider leaving the oil and gas industry to work in another sector.
Each of the three weeks will see activists focus on specific issues relating to their campaign.
It will culminate on October 26, the day the Scottish Parliament reconvenes.
Activist Sarah Krischer, 28, an archaeologist: “Scotland must truly become climate leaders and pivot towards a greener future.
“However, this can only happen if we end this toxic collusion between the Scottish Government, big finance and the fossil fuel industry.”
The group said face masks and social distancing will be used at events, and use of track and trace systems is being promoted.