Extinction Rebellion protesters drop huge banners across Sheffield to 'tell the truth' about climate change

The city is awash with banners that climate change activists have hung to raise awareness about the environmental and ecological ‘emergency’ and demand the Government divests from using fossil fuel infrastructure.

Extinction Rebellion Sheffield and other environmental groups in the city hung signs over the Wicker Arches and Park Square roundabout in the city centre earlier this morning, Friday, August 28, to mark the start of the group’s ‘summer rebellion’.

The banners which were unveiled from 7.30am in partnership with Youth Strike 4 Climate Sheffield aim to raise awareness about the ‘link’ between the coronavirus pandemic and ongoing climate and ecological ‘crises’.

Stickers warning residents about the city’s high levels of air pollution also appeared at different petrol stations across the city this morning, after dirty air levels in Sheffield were said to be above World Health Organisation limits.

Dirty air can cause debilitating diseases and hasten death. Air pollution damages our lungs, hearts and brains; causing 40,000 premature deaths and £20 billion in costs every year in the UK.

Protesters claim deforestation increases the likelihood of pandemics, higher average global temperatures increase the spread of disease and a failure to act ‘rapidly’ at the start of the health crisis cost lives and jobs.

In a statement, Sheffield protesters who hung the Wicker Arches banner said: “The world is speeding towards catastrophe.

"Governments are in charge of the brakes and the virus showed us that we can slow down if we choose to.

“It's been deeply disappointing that since XR pushed managed to push the climate emergency on to the policy agenda, the government has failed to do more than pay lip service to its climate commitments The Wicker has been one of the many places in Sheffield suffering from increasing flood damage while the environmental policy that could reduce these devastating effects to the local community has continued to be eroded by the current government.”

The environmental groups hope this morning’s activism will bring the climate and ecological ‘crises' to people’s attention and will encourage institutions to take immediate action.

Sheffield’s Extinction Rebellion created a host of Build Back Better trees across the city – trees which have messages of positivity and hope tied to them, which share ideas for how society can become ‘greener’ and more equal.

One resident wrote in a message: “I hope we can improve cycling and walking roads - it was so nice when there were fewer cars on the road especially in the centre and around busy parks.”

Protester Sophie Macfadyen, who is part of the city’s Extinction Rebellion group, added: “2020 has seen the wettest February ever, the sunniest May ever and the hottest August in 17 years. We need action on this, and fast!”

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