A NUMBER of people from Camelford and the surrounding area took part in the two-week Extinction Rebellion protests in London in October.

A number of members from the Extinction Rebellion (XR) Camelford group, which meets in the Old Bank, made their way to London for the two-week protests, which have received both criticism and support from people across the UK.

Residents from Camelford, Delabole and Boscastle travelled to take part in the International Rebellion Action in London from October 7, to campaign for serious action to be taken against climate change by the UK’s government and leaders.

Members of all ages included the retired, the self-employed, and employed people who took unpaid leave to attend and were just some of the locals who attend the monthly Camelford town meeting.

Helen Wood, from Camelford, who attended the rebellion, said: “We chose to do this, along with many others, because for the last 30 years we have used different campaigning methods with very little or no success — we’ve written letters, lobbied our MPs, supported environmental campaigns. Despite stark warnings from the scientific community over this period, environmental destruction has continued to increase at an alarming rate and governments have been complicit in enabling this destruction.

“Many of us are parents and grandparents who feel we must act now if future generations are to have at least a chance to live without the chaos and anarchy that climate change will bring if we continue with business as usual. I couldn’t face my grandchildren if I hadn’t at least tried to protect them.”

Helen said XR works towards a regenerative culture involving looking after the planet through changing systems, but also people’s own lifestyles, habits and expectations.

She said ‘the science is clear’: “It is understood that we are facing an unprecedented global emergency. Extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, sea level rise, desertification, wildfires, crop failure and water shortages are happening right now and are set to increase exponentially unless urgent action is taken. As these events continue to play out and intensify, millions of people will be displaced from their homes across the globe, with increased risks of famine, disease, conflicts and war.”

According to former UN secretary General Ban Ki-Moon: “This is an emergency and for emergency situations we need emergency action.”

Extinction Rebellion uses ‘non-violent civil disobedience methods’ in order to highlight the urgency of the climate and ecological crisis and persuade governments to take action now to limit the effects.

Well-known local veterinarians Jonathan Holt and Ruth Henderson, who were arrested at London City Airport, said: “Several members were prepared to be arrested to help make the point that this is an emergency and the government needs to act now. Let’s hope that our small sacrifices, as part of the whole rebellion, will make a difference.”

Extinction Rebellion have three demands in the UK:

• Tell the truth — Government must tell the truth by declaring a climate and ecological emergency, working with other institutions to communicate the urgency for change.

• Act now — Government must act now to halt biodiversity loss and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025.

• Beyond politics — Government must create and be led by the decisions of a Citizens’ Assembly on climate and ecological justice.

Find out about Extinction Rebellion at https://rebellion.earth. Email [email protected] for more information. Look out for local meetings, talks and actions via the Extinction Rebellion in North Cornwall Facebook page.

What do you think about the Extinction Rebellion protests? Write to [email protected] to provide your opinion.