Climate protesters take to the water
Extinction rebellion protesters have been protesting under Pulteney Bridge in Bath.
Activitists in kayaks took to the water last Thursday holding up pink banners which read ‘we’re up s*** creek’ and ‘build back green’.
The protesters let off pink flares and played what appeared to be a siren as part of the protest.
Ros Pears, who came up with the idea for the protest, said: “We recognise some may be offended by the wording but we wanted a message that would make people sit up and take notice. Time is running out.”
Extinction Rebellion Bath says the action is being taken “to highlight the admission in the Government’s own Committee on Climate Change report, published 25th June, that they are woefully short of meeting their own emissions targets by a long margin”.
The activists also want to see the post-covid economic reconstruction focusing on green jobs and technology which they believe will ultimately deliver more employment than current fossil fuel and carbon intensive jobs and give a more secure future on the planet.
The eye-catching display did, as ever, split opinion in the city.
Commenting on Facebook, Bob Spink said: “Good social distancing and they’re not destroying stuff and throwing it in the river. “Intelligent protesting, nice to see.” But Stuart Seear said: “I’d be more impressed if they weren’t protesting in craft made from refined petrochemicals, wearing wetsuits made from refined petrochemicals and paddling with oars made from, anyone? Refined petrochemicals.”
And kayaker Tony Press described them as ‘idiots’. He said: “May I just say most normal fun-loving kayakers hold no association to this ridiculous organisation and to these idiots can I just say well done for portraying kayakers in a very bad light!”
But Hans Greenwood was more sympathetic to their cause. “Well it’s a good message,” he said. “It’s eye catching but most importantly it’s non intrusive. Not blocking roads and interrupting people’s lives.”