I posted this on Facebook earlier, but then thought I’ve really been neglecting my blog, so thought I’d share this with you.
There’s a Rebellion happening. It’s time to #TelltheTruth about the #ClimateEmergency.
This weekend I’ll be pedalling my way to London for two weeks as we peacefully occupy the City of Westminster. I’ll be sleeping on the road, or in a park, not sure where exactly. It’ll probably be quite cold and wet. I might get arrested – hoping I don’t but it could happen.
I don’t feel like there’s anywhere else I could possibly be. I don’t want to be there, I’d really much rather spend the two weeks I’ve booked off as holiday pedalling round Scotland or France, but it’s the only option I believe might help bring about the changes needed to save us and future generations, as well as the other species we share the planet with. That might sound dramatic, but I’ve read the science, spoken to scientists, and we really are screwed. Even if we start making changes now we face societal collapse.
The UK parliament declared a climate emergency earlier this year, but nothing has really happened. Business as usual continues to kill us. I’m pretty scared, and definitely terrified for my niece and nephew, god/ungodly-children, in fact all children. People are already dying around the world because of climate change, and we’re in the midst of the 6th Mass Extinction event.
I get down about it sometimes, but also lifted by my fellow Rebels. They’re amazing people. Putting so much time and effort into trying to bring about the changes we so desperately need; and these changes will in fact create a better society for us all.
We haven’t even got to London yet but we’re already tired and anxious, scared of what might happen to us, whilst also really wanting to just get the show on the road. I took a break this evening to play my guitar, and the lyrics from True Colours really sparked as applying to all the #ExtinctionRebellion people, because we are just all normal people from all walks of life doing so much at the moment:
‘You with the sad eyes, don’t be discouraged
Oh I realise it’s hard to take courage
In a world full of people, you can lose sight of it all
And the darkness inside you make you feel so small
But I’ll see your true colours shining through
I’ll see your true colours, and that’s why I love you
So don’t be afraid to let them show
Your true colours, True colours are beautiful, like a rainbow’
I hope that many of my friends might take some time out to join me and fellow Rebels in London. As well as, I believe, being the only course of action available to us, it’ll be a fun experience, with lots of music, art, talks, rebel bike riding, food, learning, and love. And we really are from all walks of life, careers, race, colour and creeds. Please don’t believe all the press tells you. And yes, I’m acknowledging and trying to use my privileged status to bring about change. I know I’m one of the lucky ones.
In love and rage.
xx
Self Propelled 
Please keep safe, try to be calm. You are already part of the possible solution, by protesting. It’s very hard to guess how things can improve… China tried a “one child” policy, and a few countries are planting millions of trees. I worry that we are ignoring the need to provide for future energy needs, and ignoring the potential of volcanic catastrophe or planetary collisions – James Lovelock has written about the benefits of nuclear power, which could compensate for bad winters where solar power is too weak and wind/tide too fragile. Too many nuclear power stations are coastal, and nuclear power safety is not understood well enough. But it’s the only reliable long term energy source as I see things… I’m not flying, and greatly reducing meat consumption, but I know it’s not enough!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Bob. It’s all quite complicated isn’t it! If only we could invent fusion power more quickly. And yes, too many nuclear power stations are coastal which is too big a risk.
LikeLike
Please keep safe, try to be calm. You are already part of the possible solution, by protesting. It’s very hard to guess how things can improve… China tried a “one child” policy, and a few countries are planting millions of trees. I worry that we are ignoring the need to provide for future energy needs, and ignoring the potential of volcanic catastrophe or planetary collisions – James Lovelock has written about the benefits of nuclear power, which could compensate for bad winters where solar power is too weak and wind/tide too fragile. Too many nuclear power stations are coastal, and nuclear power safety is not understood well enough. But it’s the only reliable long term energy source as I see things… I’m not flying, and greatly reducing meat consumption, but I know it’s not enough!
LikeLike
PS like the Cyndi Lauder lyrics & her music generally, I’m playing Edwyn Collins Badbea album all the time at the moment.
LikeLike