Extinction Rebellion stage Sheffield flooding-themed protest over climate change

The Sheffield branch of Extinction Rebellion have staged a day of ‘flooding-themed non-violent civil disobedience’ to highlight the effects of climate change.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Beginning with a march from Devonshire Green, the day of action formed part of the group's national ‘12 Days of Crisis’ campaign and began at around 8:30am on Saturday, December 7.

The rebels were dressed for severe weather and flooding to represent the adverse weather conditions that have been witnessed across the region in recent weeks – scenes which are said to only become more frequent due to climate change.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Activities on included crisis carol singing, a democratic people's assembly and 'discobedience' alongside striking flooding-themed visuals and a closing ceremony later in the day.

Extinction Rebellion protestors in Barkers Pool in Sheffield drawing attention to climate change as the election loomsExtinction Rebellion protestors in Barkers Pool in Sheffield drawing attention to climate change as the election looms
Extinction Rebellion protestors in Barkers Pool in Sheffield drawing attention to climate change as the election looms

Extinction Rebellion member Nathan Strathde, 19, said: “In this county, we’ve seen flooding devastate lives and wildfires destroy landscapes. Our government is the only body in this country that can take on the big businesses and corporate interests driving the climate crisis. We must elect a government that will act now. This must be a climate election.”

With only days to go before the general election, members of Extinction Rebellion Sheffield said they are doing their bit to make it a Climate Election and to give ‘the climate and ecological emergency a level of equal importance in the public mind to the NHS, the economy and crime’.

The group said: “Candidates are being seriously challenged on their environmental plans and policies. But our political parties’ manifestos don't go far enough to prevent runaway climate breakdown. Our next government will be the last to be able to act to prevent incalculable human suffering.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Globally, Australia and California are suffering excruciating wildfires. Large parts of India are recovering from crippling drought. Extinction Rebellion groups up and down the country are organising climate-themed actions and Extinction Rebellion Sheffield are highlighting the fact that the recent local flooding is part of this global story.”

Member Bardy Hills-Savage, 20, added: “I believe that it is important to raise awareness of the climate crisis around the election. Our politicians have the power to make a meaningful difference.”