"Covid showed change was possible - now let's tackle climate change," says Extinction Rebellion Sheffield

"We’re out here today to put climate change firmly back on the agenda,” says Dr Mike Tomson.
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"We have a climate and ecological emergency on our hands, and it needs action now.

"We need to make sure that people know the truth, and that they’re putting pressure on our governments to make the necessary changes.”

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It’s 7.30am on a miserable wet August day, and Mike is one of six Extinction Rebellion Sheffield activists who have gathered near the tramlines above Park Square Roundabout to unfurl a number of banners, which they hope will catch the eye of morning commuters.

Extinction Rebellion Sheffield activists meet in Sheffield city centre to unfurl a series of banners, which they hope will highlight the current climate and ecological crisisExtinction Rebellion Sheffield activists meet in Sheffield city centre to unfurl a series of banners, which they hope will highlight the current climate and ecological crisis
Extinction Rebellion Sheffield activists meet in Sheffield city centre to unfurl a series of banners, which they hope will highlight the current climate and ecological crisis

‘Time is running out,’ warns one, ‘Stop funding fossil fuels’ implores another, while a third urges ‘Tell Sheffield the climate truth.’

These are just the start, with many more banners set to be unfurled throughout the day by various environmental groups, including Youth Strike 4 Climate Sheffield, as part of a nationwide action, to mark the start of the summer rebellion.

Mike adds: “Rather than mass gatherings and blocking roads, as we have done in the past, we were insistent today’s demonstration be safe and Covid-sensitive.”

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XR Sheffield activist, Sophie, adds: “Covid has - obviously and necessarily - been at the top of the agenda this year, but now we need to make sure climate change is back getting the attention it needs.

Extinction Rebellion Sheffield activists meet in Sheffield city centre to unfurl a series of banners, which they hope will highlight the current climate and ecological crisisExtinction Rebellion Sheffield activists meet in Sheffield city centre to unfurl a series of banners, which they hope will highlight the current climate and ecological crisis
Extinction Rebellion Sheffield activists meet in Sheffield city centre to unfurl a series of banners, which they hope will highlight the current climate and ecological crisis

"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.

“We must take action now to protect ourselves from further risk.”

Sophie reveals that Extinction Rebellion Sheffield has been anything but quiet during lockdown, with its members busy making banners, and plans, for the months ahead.

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"Climate change is something we, as a group, are tragically sad about, and these banners are a first step in reminding people of the urgent crisis we’re facing.

Extinction Rebellion Sheffield activists meet in Sheffield city centre to unfurl a series of banners, which they hope will highlight the current climate and ecological crisisExtinction Rebellion Sheffield activists meet in Sheffield city centre to unfurl a series of banners, which they hope will highlight the current climate and ecological crisis
Extinction Rebellion Sheffield activists meet in Sheffield city centre to unfurl a series of banners, which they hope will highlight the current climate and ecological crisis

"We need to act fast, putting more pressure on governments to make changes, and demanding that big businesses divest from fossil fuel infrastructure and start investing in alternatives.

And according to the group, the weather this morning is just one more reminder of the changes we’re already starting to see seep in.

"This is not a typical August day,” says Mike, who joined the group a little over a year ago.

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"So far this year we’ve seen storms, hurricanes, fires, floods, and rising temperatures.

"We need to make sure people know how severe and dangerous this situation is.

“Extinction Rebellion Sheffield has three demands of the government: tell the truth, act now, and form a citizens assembly, as they have done in France, to allow people from all across the country to be a part of the decision-making process.

"At the moment, the government is promising action by 2050. That is not good enough.

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"Covid has shown that the government can make enormous changes very rapidly when they want to, so now it’s our job to join together and tell our governments that what we want is a world we can all live safely in, rather than one we’re helping to destroy.”

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