“Biggest climate march since COP26” as Glasgow demands a better world

Thousands of people took part in a major climate march through Glasgow today as part of a global day of climate action.

They marched behind a banner proclaiming that “a better world is possible” with demonstrators calling for global solidarity, a fair transition away from fossil fuels and increased care for our planet.

Organisers say it was the biggest climate march in Glasgow since the UN climate conference took place in the city in 2021.  Demonstrations took place across the UK and in Belém, Brazil where the UN climate talks are ongoing.

Groups including prominent charities and grassroots organisations working across environmental justice, migrant rights and Palestine solidarity have organised the March and subsequent rally on Glasgow Green.

Speakers at the rally include leading trade unionist Dave Moxham, Chief Executive of the Poverty Alliance Peter Kelly, as well as local transport and migrant justice campaigners from Glasgow.

The groups including RSPB, Global Justice Now and Extinction Rebellion are marching under the slogan “a better world is possible” with demands calling for global solidarity, a fair transition away from fossil fuels and increased care for our planet.

Marchers are gathering at Glasgow Green at 11am, and setting off at 12 noon on a 5km route through the city centre which will return them back to the park. Key information about the day is available at climatemarch.scot

Friends of the Earth Scotland head of campaigns Caroline Rance commented,

“People came out in huge numbers to demand that better world we know is possible. There is energy and enthusiasm to make that transformative change happen – all it requires is the political will.

“Public concern about climate breakdown remains really high and people recognise that the challenges our communities face from Palestine to the Amazon are deeply connected. The same systems that devalue life, destroy our environment and prioritise profit above all else are harming people everywhere.

“Positive climate action will improve people’s lives in Scotland, tackling poverty by ensuring every home is well insulated, that bus services are reliable and affordable and that the energy transition is creating decent green jobs in communities.” 

Nick Cullen of the Climate & Migrant Justice Organising Group commented,

“As people working with migrant communities, we joined this march because we must stand together against the deepening hostile environment, far right violence, and the erosion of climate action. Today showed that, even in these challenging and dangerous times, our communities are stronger, more beautiful, and more powerful when we come together.”  
 
John Hilley, Gaza Genocide Emergency Committee (Glasgow branch)  
 


“Genocide and ecocide are part of the same criminal assault on people and planet. We must act together and with urgency against the same corporate and political forces behind those existential threats.

We can clearly see the interconnections of global politics, a colonialist mindset and greed for resources behind the systematic extermination of Palestinians and power-driven climate breakdown.

We marched with thousands of people today and will continue to work in every cooperative way possible to end the slaughter of Gaza and protect our cherished earth.” 

Jane Herbstritt, Global Justice Now commented,

“Energy bills are rising, living standards are going down, climate change is destroying communities, and the super-rich are raking in the profits – all at our expense. We’ll be marching in solidarity with others across the world to call on the UK and Scottish governments to tax the rich and end subsidies to the polluting fossil fuel corporations who continue to rake in huge profits while they let the world burn.”

Simon Hayden of Edinburgh Climate Coalition commented,

“Edinburgh Climate Coalition began as a coming-together of unions, climate and social justice groups, mobilising Edinburgh people to join the COP26 protests in Glasgow. Four years on, we’re pleased to be part of helping people from across Scotland’s regions and movements reclaim those streets, at a time when accelerating climate chaos and injustice make demonstrating our solidarity and vision for a fair, sustainable future more vital than ever.”

Brock Lueck from RSPB Scotland said,

“Climate change and loss of wildlife are deeply connected, with species being lost forever at an alarming rate. By protecting nature, we are protecting the water we drink, the air we breathe and the land that provides our food. Nature holds the solutions we need and through its restoration we can reduce floods, droughts and fires whilst bringing our landscapes bursting back to life. “

ENDS