Climate Action Day
Several actions occurred in the UK on Climate Action Day, along with hundreds across the world. Here are reports from Glasgow, Cambridge and Cardiff.
Over 30 campaigners blockaded Hope Street in Glasgow city centre on Monday 15th May for half an hour. Hope Street suffers greatly from vehicle exhaust pollution, and is one of the most polluted streets in Europe. The campaigners (some wearing gas masks) D-locked themselves to the traffic lights across the street, taking motorists by surprise and bringing the already gridlocked traffic to a complete halt. Eleven people were arrested, including one innocent bystander.
Meanwhile in Cardiff, the Billboard Liberation Front were out in force, this time turning their attentions to major roads in and out of the city. Various slogans such as "Cars are Choking Cardiff" and "Cars Kill" greeted motorists entering the city on the Monday morning. All the stone statues around Cardiff Castle also decided to wear gas masks for the day! Unfortunately 2 people were nicked with paint all over their hands - "It wasn't me, honest copper!". A critical mass cycle ride was held in the evening just to 'drive' the point home.
In Cambridge a huge car showroom was visited for some banner fun! A huge banner (Earth First! Cars Last) was displayed 30 foot above the cars. The police put in an appearance, warning them not to hurt the cars before buggering off again. One officer suggested "Why don't you go and do something else, like defacing car posters?" - Cambridge EF! are offering a small prize for the "most bizarre police incitement".