“Inexperience Should Not Be A Barrier To Action”: Hundreds Protest For Climate Justice in Belfast
Victoria Mitchell
Hundreds took to the streets of Belfast on Saturday November 12 to demand an end to climate change and social injustice. The march, organised by the Climate Justice Coalition as part of the Global Day of Action, sought to invoke “an urgent response from governments and leaders to the climate crisis and other multiple linked crises caused by Capitalism.”
Consequently, over 40 demonstrations took place across Britain and Ireland yesterday as numerous social and climate justice groups, cost-of-living activists and local communities joined together in the movement. Locations included all four major capital cities of London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.
“You don’t have to be an expert to care. You just have to show up and use your voice. ”
In Belfast, the march commenced at noon in Cornmarket and concluded at City Hall where speeches calling for climate action were delivered. Speakers included Unison representatives, the Lord Mayor, Councillor Christina Black, Amnesty International, Dakota Reid and Jacinta Hamley from Climate Craic. One such speech, given by Queen’s University student Eibhlinn Fee, particularly encouraged young people to become environmental advocates.
The Biological Sciences student explained that, “As a young person who got involved in environmental action out of passion and concern, one of the beliefs that I firmly stand by is that inexperience should not be a barrier to action.”
She continued that “You don’t have to be an expert to care. You just have to show up and use your voice. Joining together like this to raise our collective voice is an incredible tool, and if we rid ourselves of that ingrained desire for perfection, we can make so much difference!”
Her words testify to the large turnout of individuals at the protest, many of whom have little campaigning expertise. James Hill, a 26-year-old from Belfast commented that “This is my first protest as I have always felt unqualified to be a political activist. But it is now impossible to simply stand by and accept the government’s inaction during a climate emergency.”
Protestors gather at Belfast City Hall.
“change is only possible through the power and inclusion of the people.”
Indeed, the idea of local campaigning is a central ethos of the COP27 Coalition, who organised the Global Day of Action to facilitate acts of mass mobilisation. This group was formed in Egypt in September 2022 to demand a “reset” of the system. Core objectives include decolonising the economy, supporting developing countries and creating a global solidarity network. Executive Director, Tasneem Essop emphasises that “At Climate Action Network, we believe that change is only possible through the power and inclusion of the people.”
Another speech delivered in Belfast yesterday by Dakota Reid, similarly emphasised the importance of “the inclusion of the people” who must speak out against government failure. Reid herself boldly declared “Young people are seeing the chance of a sustainable future disappear. My message to politicians is very clear: get back to work and take action. Take action on the nature crisis. Take action on the climate crisis. And take action on the cost of living crisis. For the sake of all generations.”
Her speech outlined the historical trajectory of government failure; promoting new oil fields in the red sea, delaying climate action and failing to meet 86% of biodiversity targets. Reid therefore declared the climate emergency a “political choice” which has been propagated by governmental delay and inaction.
“ My message to politicians is very clear: get back to work and take action. ”
Mirja Oates, a youth campaigner with the RSPB, summed up her experience of the day. “This was an inspiring rally to be part of, the atmosphere was buzzing with people from all walks of life and all ages united in their compassion for nature, the environment and humanity. I will definitely be taking part in more nature rallies.”
The climate crisis continues to be discussed at COP27 which this week includes upcoming events such as “Women’s Agency in Climate Change Dialogues” and “Water Scarcity and Resilience.” Updates on the conference will follow throughout the week.
Victoria Mitchell is The Scoop’s Science and Environment Deputy Editor, and an MA English Literature student at Queen’s University Belfast.