Climate activists in Sheffield plan bank holiday weekend of 'direct action'

The banners will unfurl from 7.30am tomorrow (Friday August 28). Youth Strike 4 Climate Sheffield and Extinction Rebellion Sheffield and other environmental groups will be taking part in the action throughout the day.

A spokesperson said: “Banners will be hanging to tell the truth about the climate and ecological emergency and demand divestment from fossil fuel infrastructure.

"Extinction Rebellion Sheffield and other environmental groups will be displaying banners around the city and at their homes to bring the climate and ecological crises to peoples’ attention and to encourage institutions to take action immediately.”

The nationwide campaign will see peaceful protests and action taking place all over the UK, including a day targeting airports and the aviation industry, talks and training, and a day focusing on the finance industry.

The protests also aim to highlight the links between the pandemic and climate.

The spokesperson continued: “The links between the pandemic and the ongoing climate and ecological crises cannot be denied. Deforestation increases the likelihood of pandemics and higher average global temperatures increase the spread of disease.

"A failure to react rapidly enough to the pandemic caused the loss of many lives and livelihoods. We must take action now to protect ourselves from further risk.”

Extinction Rebellion Sheffield has placed several ‘Build Back Better trees’ around the city on which supporters have been hanging cards with their hopes for the environment and the response to the pandemic in the future.

These messages have formed the basis for what is written on the banners.

“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!” wrote Sophie Macfadyen, an Extinction Rebellion Sheffield activist.

Another Sheffield resident added: “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.”

“I hope the world can be greener and more equal, more democratic and [that we can] create a good society,” wrote another.