PROTEST OVER CLIMATE
Activists staged a “diein” demonstration to highlight the devastating impact climate change is having on the planet.
It saw members of the Extinction Rebellion Sunderland and Parents For Future Sunderland groups lie down on the ground outside of the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens on Saturday, in a bid to show the deadly consequences of climate change.
Organised by Chris Howson from Extinction Rebellion Sunderland, the demonstration saw about 30 people of all ages take part in the effort to raise awareness.
It comes as part of a weeklong Global Climate Strike activity across the world, which kicked off in the city on Friday, with a demonstration outside of Sunderland Civic Centre. More activities have been planned throughout the week in the hopes of raising awareness of the issue and the need to make changes.
About 12 children aged from as young as four were among those taking part in the extinction die-in event, which saw participants spend 10minutes lying down to show solidarity with those who have been affected by the climate crisis.
Leaflets were also handed out at the demonstration which asked the public to make pledges such as reducing their use of cars and to find out about their carbon footprint.
Graeme Jobes, chairman of Parents for Future Sunderland, said: “The extinction die-in event aimed to say how we need to act now or we risk becoming extinct.
“The die-in looked very striking and aimed to pay respects to those affected by the climate crisis that is seeing the extinction of animals, plants and biodiversity.
“We were pleased with the support and level of public engagement on the day.
“We are asking people to get involved in the climate discussion so that we can create a sustainable future for out children and the community of Sunderland.”
Reverend Chris Howson, associate priest at Sunderland Minster and University of Sunderland chaplain, said: “Young people around the world are having to realise that they have to look at the way we live or face an awful future.”