ACTIVISTS IN FIRE PROTEST AT CITY’S GEORGE SQUARE

GEORGE Square has been transformed into a “field of fire” as climate activists demand for world leaders to make significant change during the COP26 summit.

Activists Glasgow Actions Team invited residents and international guests alike to visit its installation in the city centre yesterday – the first of many it has planned.

As part of the demonstration, the square was “symbolically set on fire” to draw the attention of the environmental plight to those attending the UN conference as well as Glasgow City Council officials who are based in the City Chambers looking onto the demonstration.

The art installation featured faux flames, smoke, and banners to showcase the climate emergency, and massive fire extinguishers highlighting actions world leaders should take at the upcoming COP26 climate negotiations.

Andrew Nazdin, director of the Glasgow Actions Team, said: “We’re calling on world leaders to step up to the plate and treat the climate crisis like the emergency that it is — which means minimizing warming to 1.5C and adequately funding a just transition with at least $100billion a year.”

The group are planning further events across the city throughout the conference – which takes place from October 31 to November 12 – however, it has remained tight lipped over its plans.

Formed in the run up to the summit in a bid to gain the attention of global players, such as President Joe Biden, it has promised to wow the crowds with incredible artwork with an important message.

The group is made up of members from around the city and the world to highlight the importance of joining together to help the plight of the environment.

It comes as demonstrations are planned throughout Glasgow.

Leading climate activist Greta Thunberg will lead two protests from the West End to the city centre on November 5 and 6 with around 100,000 people expected to attend.

While strikes have also been planned by Scotrail, bin and school staff.