Extinction Rebellion (XR) Forres High Street survey reveals locals are concerned about how the climate crisis is being handled

A group of environmental protestors was back on Forres High Street to talk to passers-by and highlight the climate crisis.

Extinction Rebellion (XR) Forres members manned a stall outside Forres House Community Centre from 10am-2pm on Saturday, February 25, encouraging other community members to discuss and record their opinions on the effects of environmental damage on rising cost of living costs.

Allan Gray was pleased so many people took the time to stop and think about the crisis unfolding worldwide.

He said: “We wanted to hear what residents thought about issues such as: the UK government doing enough to address the climate crisis; support for new oil and gas licences; and if people support the right to protect when government fails to take action.

“The cost of living and energy price crisis has been partially driven by the rising cost of gas.

“Our dependency on imports of fossil fuels has left the UK vulnerable, not only to emissions but also volatile international energy markets.”

Fellow XR Forres member Simon Clark pointed out that the group has had to be been highly visible over its four-and-a-half year history to highlight government inaction.

He said: “The unrelenting rises in carbon emissions and nature devastation continue unabated.

“XR believes the democratic process cannot instigate the policy changes required so getting large numbers of people on the streets across the world is the only recourse left to force power brokers to shift from the prevailing tragic course.

“The pink table outside the Forres library was one of many across the country engaging people in discussion.

“We are calling on members of the public to assemble outside the Houses of Parliament in London from 21-23 April and with one voice make the call for the changes so desperately needed.”

XR representatives discussed the issues with a number of local folk, most of whom were worried.

Allan said: “An overwhelming majority expressed concern at the climate crisis, with a large majority opposing the UK government policy to offer new oil and gas licences.

“We also were encouraged by almost everyone who spoke with us supporting the right to protest.

“They also believe it is right to protest the government when they do not take necessary action on reducing emissions.”

Simon added: “The majority of passers by and those entering the community centre stopped to chat.

“In November during our last table, over 50 people responded to the question ‘how concerned are you about the climate crisis’ and over 90 per cent said seriously concerned or terrified.

“This time over 35 responded and again over 90 per cent responded at varying levels between concerned or terrified.”

XR Forres meet on every second Monday evening at 1496 Café.

Private message the group’s Facebook page for more information.

Allan finished: “We hope to doing some more outreach stalls over the coming weeks.

“The wider movement is in full preparation for ‘The Big One’, a protest taking place in April in London.

“Local residents will join the protest in to express the concerns that many folk expressed to us at our stall.”

Contact XR Forres on Facebook or email XR Forres@protonmail.com to get involved.