Climate Change Protests - will they make a difference?

You’re right of course varian
But this whole concept is mind boggling.

For instance, imagine if everyone signed a pledge not to buy any new stuff in the next 12 months. We could do it if we tried.

But how would that impact on the people whose livelihoods depend on us buying such stuff? I’d feel guilty in a different way then!

Urmstongran that is a fair point, some countries/communities rely on our consumerism whether it be goods or holidays.

Perhaps the starting point should be with them, trying to make them “greener” and more eco aware. Look towards sustainability in goods and tourism.

My brain is starting to hurt just thinking about this problem. It’s multi layered and very complicated.
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GabriellaG54

Er thanks! I love posters who correct spellings. It really tells me so much about them.

Well, I'm proud of him.

I haven't read all the posts but just wanted to say that if you believe strongly in something even if you don't think you can make a difference, it is worth making your voice heard. Lots of drops in the ocean. Lots of voices in the choir can effect change.
I used to demonstrate when I was younger and now our DC and DGC get involved and I am glad.
It can be personally empowering too. Far better than sitting at home wringing your hands in hopeless despair.

Well said Gramaretto.

He does look a lovely lad Gonegirl’ to be fair. And of course rather he there than not giving a toss about the planet.

I just feel this disruption has been so bad and now costing jobs and livelihoods it’s gone too far.

If flights are disrupted then people will start to ignore the message in anger at the messengers.

Flash demos are better! Short and sweet.

You have to take people with you not alienate them.

I don't think they should disrupt Heathrow.

GS is at Marble Arch, the police approved place. And he's found his niche with the welfare team. Right up his street.

Gonegirl DGD (a few years younger than your DGS and still at primary school) is very 'on-message' regarding this.

All I have to say now is -
I agree with their message
but not necessarily with their methods.

Your GS looks lovely Gonegirl.
All power to him.

Yes exactly the message is of course right but the method lasting this long is not.

I think targeting Heathrow would be extremely counter productive.

Thanks ja. I think he has gone into Scout Camp mode up there now. He'll probably be doing everyone a fry-up in the morning.

Calli yeah, his younger brother would love to be up there with him, but he is being kept firmly at granny's house!

DGD is in charge of the school recycling.

That's really good. It's lovely how they do care.

Gonegirl are you saying that your grandson and his fellow protestors are aware that they are hurting some of the poorest ( and probably least polluting) people and their families, but don't actually care?
Some of the posts on here are beyond ludicrous. Criticise the methods these protestors are employing and you're obviously one of the worst polluters and don't care about the world? There is absolutely no logic behind such statements.
One of the easiest things any individual can do to make a difference is to go vegan, are these protestors willing to do that? Somehow I doubt it.

It iscwrong to say that “millions” can’t get to work. Probably no one cannot get to work even if it takes them a wee bit longer, on the other hand it’s great to walk down Oxford and Regents Street without any traffic. Brings to the fore how there is just too much traffic. The atmosphere is positive. The protesters are peaceful and there’s no violence towards the police, unlike other protests. Oh but maybe it’s too middle class.

Lots of them are vegan actually but they’ll get bashed for that no doubt.

janipat when did I actually say, or insinuate that? My GS is focussed on the environment. He is in the Marble Arch part of the demo. He certainly doesn't want to harm anyone, and he is not doing so.

And now, if you don't mind, I don't want to discuss this you anymore.

Daughter is trying out some vegan recipes! I bought her the Bish Bash Bosh book for Xmas.

crystaltips why on earth would anyone bash someone for being vegan? It's not something that affects or impacts on anybody else, but is so much better for the planet.

We do not exist in isolation, and no matter how much we may think our decisions are the right ones, the impact they make on others can't just be dismissed with a shrug.

Does he work or is he at uni Gonegirl?

As long as they don't leave any mess whatsoever.
BTW.. have they organised a toilet block or are they using the bushes?
Getting washed?

Gabriella......hadn’t considered their ablutions? Hopefully they will clear up/recycle their debris.