Extinction rebellion march

Isle of Wight climate campaigners plan even bigger gathering next month

IW Extinction Rebellion share details of this upcoming event, Ed


Isle of Wight climate campaigners are preparing for an even bigger gathering of Islanders in the centre of Newport for a day of action next month.

Part of the international ‘Extinction Rebellion’, over 200 Islanders took to the streets in January to demonstrate their demand that governments – local, national and global – take urgent action to tackle the climate crisis.

Many councils declared state of Climate Emergency
A spokesperson from IW Extinction Rebellion said:

“Councils across the country from Scarborough to Cornwall have declared a state of Climate Emergency.

“Many, such as Bristol, have committed to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2030. We urge the Isle of Wight Council to join them and take a moral, ethical and economic stance to protect Islanders and commit to urgent measures to confront climate change.”

Chris-Jones-and-Lucy-Boynton-XRIW-March-15 640

The focus of the day of action on Saturday 2nd March will be the wider ecological emergency. Campaigners can wear black armbands and will be carrying banners, placards and a coffin: standing in silence to signify the impact of increasing global temperatures on the earth’s delicate ecosystems:

  1. Humanity has wiped out 60% of mammals, birds, fish and reptiles since 1970
  2. 99% of coral reefs will be wiped out if temperatures rise by 2 degrees Celsius
  3. Scientists warn that the sixth mass extinction event is underway

Isle of Wight Extinction Rebellion Rally Jan 2018 by Chris Jones and Lucy Boynton

Liz Cooke from St Lawrence said,

“It’s so vital for our children and grandchildren that we all do our bit and take a stand to pressurise political leaders to protect the planet.

“The first gathering in January was such a positive and peaceful day, and the whole family is really looking forward to meeting up with more Islanders to demonstrate next month.”

Isle of Wight Extinction Rebellion Rally Jan 2018 by Chris Jones and Lucy Boynton

Where and when
Supporters will meet in St Thomas’ Square, Newport at 12.30pm on Saturday, 2nd March for a peaceful rally, calling for action.

This will be followed by a picnic in Newport – so please bring food, blankets and your singing voices!

For more details contact [email protected]

Image: © Chris Jones and Lucy Boynton