Tens of thousands of people have taken part in a campaign to highlight the importance of taking action to support the environment.
The campaign was organised by Extinction Rebellion, and took place in more than 33 countries across six continents.
Organisers claimed it was an opportunity for people to make their voices heard, and a chance to get together and celebrate their love for life on earth.
Since 15 April in London, the campaign has focused on a series of non-violent and peaceful acts of rebellion. The ‘festival of creative resistance’, as the campaign called it, included art actions, stage performances, talks, workshops, food and family spaces.
The campaign opened at Parliament Square with a colourful display of flags and banners created by regional working groups around the country.
Other sites in London included a now-infamous pink boat with ‘tell the truth’ painted on the side, representing Extinction Rebellion’s demand that the Government and other institutions tell the truth and declare a climate and ecological emergency.
Activities also took place on Waterloo Bridge, which was turned into a garden bridge of plants, shrubs, and picnics to share. The organisers said that the bridge was created to reflect its second demand that the Government acts now to halt biodiversity loss and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025.
The third demand of the campaign group was reflected in Parliament Square activities – to create and be led by the decisions of a Citizens’ Assembly on climate and ecological justice.
Jayne Forbes of Extinction Rebellion said:
Extinction Rebellion calls on everyone, regardless of your political or religious or cultural beliefs, to join us as we peacefully disrupt for the future of humanity and for all life on earth.
The campaign has been backed by a number of notable supporters, including Stephen Fry, Naomi Klein, Ellie Goulding, Radiohead, Chris Packham and George Monbiot.
Attendees were also greeted by Gretna Thunberg, a 16-year-old environmental activist from Sweden, who helped to found the School Strike for Climate movement last year. Thunberg gave a rousing speech to thousands of people gathered in Marble Arch on Easter Sunday. She said:
Humanity is now standing at a cross-roads. We must now decide which path to take.
We are the ones making a difference. We, the people of the Extinction Rebellion and the children in the schools who are striking for the climate, we are the ones making a difference.
For more information visit www.rebellion.earth or visit the crowdfunding page to donate.
Image: Extinction Rebellion
Footage: Channel 4 News