‘We must be responsible for impact on planet’
GUERNSEY climate activists marched through the streets of St Peter Port on Saturday as part of a global movement for climate change.
Starting in Market Square, the group marched to Candie Gardens at noon as homemade banners were waived by campaigners young and old.
‘Today is the global day for climate justice,’ said Helen Quin, one of the organisers and head of operations for the Clean Earth Trust.
‘There are 250 actions taking place across the world, and we wanted Guernsey to stand in solidarity with the global community. We want Guernsey to take responsibility for our impact on the planet, and that’s what today is about.’
There were a handful of speeches made before the march set off and at Candie.
Although the content and styles among each of the event speakers varied, the theme remained the same – they all urged the individuals and leaders in Guernsey to act now for the future of the earth.
‘The world has been overrun by waste, and wildlife has declined,’ Miss Quin told the assembly in Market Square.
‘Our consumption and life habits can no longer be sustained. Those that have done the least to cause climate change suffer the most. We must all take responsibility for our share of emissions because it will effect us all.’
As the group marched through St Peter Port, many shoppers and pedestrians stopped to look and listen.
‘What do we want? Climate action. When do we want it? Now!’ the group chanted.
On the lawns of Candie Gardens, overlooking the harbour, more speakers urged those gathered to make a difference in their own lives and to put pressure on those in leadership to create large scale change as well.
Deputies Tina Bury, Peter Roffey, and John Gollop all came to the march to listen and learn.
‘I’m here as a participant to learn, and I want to listen and soak up public opinion,’ said Deputy Bury.
‘I’m happy to be a part of this and show my support to the community, especially the Guernsey youth because that’s who this movement is all about.’
Emma Lawlor brought her two small children to the climate march because she believed it was important for them to see and take part in the global movement.
‘This is all about their future,’ she said.
Cousins Demi Smith and Phoebe Jones helped make cardboard signs for the walk, and mother Sadie Smith said it was an emotional day.
‘It means a lot to be here with my family. We’re a small island but we can make big changes,’ she said.
