It’s Getting Hot In Here

Exactly one hundred years after 60,000 women gathered in Parliament Square, London to demand votes for women, climate activists came together to forge the link between our global movement to that of a successful social movement of the past, that of the Suffragettes. The bravery of the women who took direct action all those years ago inspired hundreds to join this inaugural Climate Rush, to demand an end to airport expansion (Suffrajets anyone!?), a moratorium on coal fired power stations, and a positive cross-party move towards action on climate change

Climate Rush was a spectacular example of the potential of youth climate activism. It was creative, powerful, covered by the national press and, most importantly, just the first of many more to come. Led by a small group of young women and encouraged by a cross-section of female speakers, including the bastion of ‘Middle England’ the Women’s Institute (more famous for their jams than direct action), the Climate Rush ushered in a new form of climate activism in the UK.

What really stood out for me was the atmosphere at the Rush. Perhaps because we were wearing full Edwardian period costume and there were home-baked cakes everywhere, maybe because we were led by women, or perhaps it was just the thought of the courage and conviction of our foremothers, but the Rush gave each of us a sense of dignity, of morality, which I’d never felt at a demonstration before.

So as much as the announcement of a new UK Ministerial Department of Climate Change and Energy thrills me, and the target of an 80% cut in greenhouse gases by 2050 demonstrates international leadership, the Government and the country must know that it is time for ‘Deeds, Not Words’.

Photos courtesy of Amelia Gregory.