Last Saturday, the Scottish people have taken to the streets of Edinburgh calling on the Scottish and UK Government to take climate change seriously and develop an urgent plan for a just and fast transition away from Fossil Fuels.
The Edinburgh March joined over 500 other actions across 60 countries in a Global Day of Action to End Fossil Fuels, as world leaders gather at the United Nations’ Climate Ambition Summit in New York.
Thank you to everyone that joined us on the day and made this such a successful event! Once again, we have made it clear that there is a strong public mandate for a fair and fast transition away from fossil fuels that puts workers and communities first.
You can read more here on the global context of the day of action and how the Edinburgh march fits within the Scottish and UK political landscape. If you want to know about upcoming actions and events scroll to the end of this article.
The march aimed to bring attention to diverse campaigns around the need to move away from fossil fuels.
As participants marched past Queen Elizabeth House, the UK Government Buildings in Edinburgh, we heard from Stop Rosebank campaign and the need to halt new oil and gas plans in the North Sea. Dozens of protestors left their own messages in colourful post-it notes across the entrance of the building. Throughout the march itself, banners and home-made signs echoed the sentiment. You can see some of these in the gallery at the bottom of the page.
The rally at the Scottish Parliament saw trade unionists, anti-poverty groups, community groups, young climate activists and a rendition of Dolly Parton’s Liar Liar. The shared message was clear: We must stop new oil and gas projects, we must divest from fossil fuels, and we must create a fairer, greener Scotland that works for the Scottish people.
Yet another measure of its success was the amount of media traction it got. The march has been covered across many local and national media, including STV News, The National, The Scotsman, Edinburgh Live, BBC News and Edinburgh Evening News.
All this wouldn’t have been possible without the work of dozens of amazing volunteers who have given their time and energy to help organise, promote and keep participants safe. To all of those who gifted their time, a huge thank you!
Together, we can keep the pressure up and show policy-makers the Scottish people demand meaningful action that will lead to a fairer, greener and more sustainable future for workers and communities!
Photo by Bruno Santos (Climate Fringe)
Photo by Bruno Santos (Climate Fringe)
Photo by Bruno Santos (Climate Fringe)
Photo by Bruno Santos (Climate Fringe)
Photo by Bruno Santos (Climate Fringe)
Photo by Bruno Santos (Climate Fringe)
Photo by Neil Hanna (FoE Scotland)
neilhannaphotography.co.uk
Photo by Richard Dixon (FoE Scotland)
Photo by Neil Hanna (FoE Scotland)
neilhannaphotography.co.uk
Photo by Neil Hanna (FoE Scotland)
neilhannaphotography.co.uk
Photo by Neil Hanna (FoE Scotland)
neilhannaphotography.co.uk
Photo by Neil Hanna (FoE Scotland)
neilhannaphotography.co.uk
What next?
To achieve the change we want to see in the world we can’t lose momentum now. Check out upcoming actions and campaigns and get involved!
Make Polluters Pay Action Day
23rd September (UK-wide)
On Saturday 23rd September people across the UK will come together in their local area and call on the UK Prime Minister to make polluters pay for climate-related loss and damage.
Oily Money Out
14th – 19th October (London)
Financial support for people travelling from Scotland available.
Groups from across the UK will come together to protest the Oil & Money Conference in London. You can join 3 days of talks, workshops and community building, followed by 3 days of varying levels of actions (including inclusive and family-friendly actions).
The coming months will see more actions and campaigns around fossil fuels, loss and damage, just transition and more. With COP28 just around the corner, you can expect more opportunities for you to join and keep the momentum going!
Keep an eye out on Climate Fringe and Stop Climate Chaos Scotland news. Make sure to follow our socials and sign up for our newsletter to get the latest updates.
