Third day of Bristol actions highlight the ecological crisis
August 30, 2020
Photo credit: Laurie Gibbs
On the third day of our weekend of rebellion in Bristol, the theme of the day is “Save Nature to Save Ourselves”.
Today, the major focus is on the ecological crisis. If we want a world that is safe for future generations we must care for the natural world. The pandemic is just one manifestation of the perils of ignoring the inter-relationship of species and of imposing our fast travel and intensive consumption on global ecosystems.
The day’s activities will aim to focus attention on the Climate and Ecological Emergency (CEE) Bill being brought to parliament as the only real chance of giving today’s children a viable society to grow up in. The CEE bill will push the ecological crisis to the top of the agenda.
Family-focused actions around the harbourside will be COVID-safe. Children are encouraged to dress up as their favourite insects and can follow a nature-themed ramble around the harbourside at 11am, accompanied by a beekeeper.
Father of two Darcy Mitchell, of XR Families says:
“The CEE Bill being brought to parliament is the only real chance we now have of giving our children a viable society to grow up in. Our government is currently prepared to tolerate 4 degrees of global warming, which will result in climate disasters, social chaos and mass starvation.
“We won’t accept that for our children, or anyone’s child.
“We need to recognise the profound interconnectedness of the natural world. Our children can teach us how to do that: love for the planet is as natural for them as breathing.”
Yesterday’s busy programme of actions around Bristol were focused on how the climate and ecological crisis is inextricably linked with social injustices on a local, national and global scale.
Circomedia staged eye-catching mini-performances with their Big Heads around the harbour, including Boris Johnson “up s**t creek without a paddle” in a half-sunk boat on the harbour.
Today’s events
Around the harbour:
- 10am – 11:30am: XR Families: Collaborative artwork: One Drop in the Ocean Meet outside Arnolfini from 10am in nature-themed headdresses and costumes. Nature crown weaving activity. Mini ni-procession starts at 11:00, ends 11:30.
- 11am – 12noon: Introduction to XR. Socially-distanced “meeting” at the Welcome tent.
- 12pm – 1pm: Non-Violent Direct Action (NVDA) training. Meet at the Welcome tent.
- 11am – 6pm: ‘We Want To Live’ Photo Booth in the Multimedia tent.
- 1pm – 2pm: Affinity Group formation session. How to meet like-minded people and get involved in XR. Meet at the Welcome tent.
- 2pm – 6pm: Stage programme – Complete schedule here including rapper Disraeli at 2.10pm and Clay Pit String Band at 4.30pm.
- 3pm – 4pm: De-escalation training. Meet at the Welcome tent.
- 8.30pm: Film projection at the stage – ‘2040’. Positive and suitable for all. See trailer here.
Around the city:
This afternoon, join in chalk-spraying the XR ‘Elephant in the Room’s’ footprints around the city as it visits some of the key players in fossil fuel usage and emissions.
COVID-19 and public safety
All of XR Bristol’s actions are designed to be inclusive, safe and family-friendly, with the movement taking every precaution to ensure the protests adhere to COVID-19 guidelines.
All supporters have been asked to come with masks and hand sanitiser, and to observe social distancing at all times. There will also be on-site sanitation stations, extra face masks available, and markings for safe distancing in the main stage area. All gatherings will take place outdoors with safety stewards onsite to support and promote COVID-safety around the clock.