A MEMBER of the Melksham Extinction Rebellion group led a one-man protest last week, highlighting the issue of climate change on the day the UK’s highest-ever temperature was recorded.
Bowerhill resident, Michael Saunders, set up camp in the Market Place on Thursday 25th July, when temperatures peaked at 38.7C (101.7F) in Cambridge University Botanic Garden.
Michael’s placard said, “Is this a lovely sunny day or climate crisis? We are all responsible!”
Michael told Melksham News, “As it was reported to be the hottest day of the year I thought of making a board at the last minute, therefore it was a bit DIY-like as opposed to a printed model. I was absolutely amazed though, at the continuous stream of vehicles with no gaps or break coming around the roundabout and heading into town during the whole of the 3.5 hours I was holding the board up in the Market Place.
“I was delighted though that virtually every vehicle slowed down to read the sign, and by far and away the majority of drivers and passengers either waved, put their thumbs up or tooted their horn and smiled, and made me realise that so many people are now embracing climate change locally and I am sure are doing what they can to help.
“I also had people come up to me and say it’s good that someone is making us more aware of the problem we all face and, I must say a great big thank you to all the people who offered to get me a drink, which was very thoughtful as I sat there being cooked alive in the sun.
“Our local Extinction Rebellion group is growing and we more than welcome new members, as we can then have more influence in getting things done to help in the fight against climate change locally.”
The Melksham Extinction Rebellion group is one of many across the world. Extinction Rebellion describes itself as an international ‘non-violent civil disobedience activist movement’. They are calling on governments around the world to declare a ‘climate and ecological emergency’ and to take immediate action to address climate change.
For more information or to join the Melksham Extinction Rebellion group, email: xrmelksham@ gmail.com
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