Moray campaigners to join global 'Climate Strike'
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A DAY of action has been planned in Forres a week on Friday as part of a worldwide demonstration against the continuing inaction to stem the causes of climate change.
Calls have gone out for everyone – both young and old – to support the worldwide strike on September 20 which is being staged in advance of a United Nations climate summit on September 23 where world leaders will discuss the subject.
Amnesty International has written to the head teachers of 25,000 schools across the UK urging them to let pupils take part in the demonstrations without being punished.
In the letter the organisation's Secretary-General Kemi Naidoo has written that by taking part in the strike, children will be exercising their human rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and to have a say in decisions that will fundamentally shape their lives.
He writes: "The failure of most governments to act in the face of overwhelming scientific evidence is arguably the biggest inter- generational human rights violation in history.”
Organisers say they are expecting a large turnout in Forres, with the day commencing at 10am outside the Tollbooth.
A march featuring a number of young people dressed as endangered species will set off from Grant Park at 11.30am.
A letter will also be handed to the office of Moray's MP Douglas Ross.
Extinction Rebellion Forres (XR) will be supporting young people on Forres High Street that day.
Kinloss resident Simon Clark said: "Please join us with your best humour and creativity. This day is designed to bring us all together on the issue that affects us all."
For further information about this and the other events mentioned below, contact Mr Clark on 07737 762313.
A series of events have been planned locally in advance of next Friday's strikes.
These include:
Songs for the Climate Strike Day with Bill Henderson,
Saturday September 14, 10.30am-12.30pm at Transition Town, Forres
Artivism with Margo Henderson,
Sunday, September 15, 2pm-5pm at Transition Town, Forres
Scottish Government Big Climate Conversation
Monday, September 16, 3pm-5pm at Forres Enterprise Park. Booking essential
Extinction Rebellion strike day planning meeting,
Monday, September 16, 7pm-9pm at Tolbooth Courtroom, Forres
Scottish Government Big Climate Conversation
Thursday September 19, 7pm-8.45pm at Speyside High School
Banner Making
Thursday, September 19, 4pm-6pm at Transition town
