World marches for climate change

Co-operative members and supporters took to the streets of London on Sunday 29 November to mark the start of the UN climate summit in Paris. Organisers said about 50,000...

Co-operative members and supporters took to the streets of London on Sunday 29 November to mark the start of the UN climate summit in Paris. Organisers said about 50,000 people were on the route from Hyde Park to Whitehall. There were approximately 2500 other events around the world ahead of the summit.

Plymouth Energy Community (PEC) led the ‘Stand Up for Community Energy Bloc’ at the Global Climate March, which aimed to break last year’s record for the largest climate change mobilisation in history.

Jemma Knowles, marketing and member support officer at PEC said: “Given the recent attack on renewable energy in the UK and subsequent detrimental effects on community energy, we want to stand up for our sector as one solution to climate change and join the march in London, sending a clear message to Westminster and the rest of the world.”

Emma Bridge, chief executive of Community Energy England, added: “This will be the first ever Community Energy Bloc. It’s a chance for those who are part of community energy projects to come together to build friendships, swap ideas, vent and most importantly stand up for the community energy sector.

“The last few months have been stressful times for everyone in community energy. We want to make sure everybody in the climate movement knows how great community energy is.

“We must keep fighting for community energy – we’ve had flashmobspetitions and consultations. Let’s keep up the pressure on the government by hitting the streets.”

  • To read more of our coverage on the COP21 conference, click here.
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