Bearing Witness vigil in Manchester

Last Saturday Stop Climate Chaos and People & Planet activists united to ’Speak out for Climate Justice’, at Manchester Metropolitan Students’ Union, Manchester.

The event took place as part of ‘Bearing Witness’, a coalition of supporter events organised by Christian Aid, CAFOD and Tearfund, on the eve of the Conservative Party Conference. ‘Speak out for Climate Justice’ was one way in which to call for strong government action on climate change in solidarity with the world’s poorest people and our planet, ahead of the UNFCCC talks in Durban in November.

On an ironically scorching October day (the effects of climate change were tangible!) activists from near and far gathered for a day of inspiring workshops and talks on the theme of climate justice. The day began with a fantastic open plenary, with Becca Hemmant a P&P Tar Sands activist, and Colin Baines from the Co-operative Bank, Aakash Nair from NUS and Tinyiko Maluleke, a prominent South African activist and theologian from the University of South Africa.

The speakers shared vibrant perspectives on climate justice, from indigenous resistance to Tar Sands among the Beaver Lake Cree Nation in Alberta, to switching to ethical banking on your campus, and to traditional beliefs about the human relationship with nature in the global South. Finally, Fiona Dear, the Coordinator of Stop Climate Chaos Coalition, spoke of the newly-launched African Climate Connection, which echoed the global concern for action on climate justice.

In the afternoon, there were a variety of workshops from People & Planet: ‘Tar Sands-Free: Washing our hands of the dirtiest project on Earth’, Practical Action, UK Youth Climate Coalition (UKYCC) and Friends of the Earth. This was a great chance for local activists to network and make future plans. There were also a colourful array of stalls from Friends of the Earth Manchester, UKYCC and Student Christian Movement.

As the sun was setting, we took to the streets in an evening march, with placards as a reminder of the promise of the ’Greenest Government Ever’. Our voices became gradually louder, as we chanted: “What do we want? Climate Justice! When do we want it? NOW!” We soon merged into the Bearing Witness march, accompanied by a fabulous brass band.

Stop Climate Chaos supporters gathered in Albert Square outside the Conservative Party Conference, and held a beautiful candlelit vigil in hope for action for justice. Personally, I was so proud to represent People & Planet, and to feel we are a cherished part of the climate movement. Even more than this, it was brilliant to stand side-by-side with so many others passionate about climate change, in solidarity with the world’s poorest people and our planet.