The Woodland Trust are heading to the People’s March in November to represent woods and trees ahead of the international climate change talks in Paris.
There are marches being organised in several cities in the UK, and each stands underneath one banner: the ‘People’s March for Climate, Justice and Jobs’. It is a march for everyone and everything we care about that is affected by climate change; from football to chocolate, surfing to wildlife.
Everyone there will be marching for something so much bigger than themselves; the climate, justice, international collaboration. The Trust invites you to march with them for the woods and trees that provide us with so much.
For us, climate change and trees are naturally interlinked. As an evidence-based organisation, we follow the science. Evidence shows that climate change has been accelerating over the past few years. That these changes are caused principally by human activity is now incontrovertible and political action is key.
Trees and woods offer cost-effective, long term solutions to the challenge of human adaptation. This includes aiding flood management, urban cooling, and sustainable farming. But trees are also at risk from an uncertain future. They are threatened by land-use pressures, pests and diseases, and will suffer from diverted funding. Climate change is the biggest long term threat to ancient woodland. Evidence shows that climate change has been accelerating over the past few years. That these changes are caused principally by human activity is now incontrovertible so it is now time to take action.
Climate change is the biggest long term threat to vulnerable ancient woodland, which needs better protection more than ever before in the face of over 600 threats. We believe everyone has the right to woods and trees around them and less than 20% of the UK population can visit and enjoy woodland close to their homes. The UK has only 13% wood cover compared with 42% in the rest of Europe. Planting rates are only at half of what they need to be to create a resilient landscape that can cope with climate change and other threats. These are all key issues that need to be tackled in the coming years, not just for the benefit of woodland but for the benefit of all.
This march is about showing the UK Government, and other governments, that British people care about climate change, among other related issues. This is why the movement seeks strong commitment from the UK at the Paris COP21 talks. David Cameron will attend the Conference on behalf of the UK and it is expected that a new global agreement on climate action/targets will be announced.
About the marches
Edinburgh – On 28 November the event will begin on the Meadows in Edinburgh and march down the Mound into Princes Street Gardens, where it will end with an inspirational rally with speakers and bands at the iconic Ross Bandstand. The start time for the march is yet to be confirmed.
London – On 29 November we will be meeting with supporters and volunteers in central London before heading off to the march as part of the ‘For the love of…’ bloc to show that England not only needs woods and trees but it loves them too. The event will be from around midday until 4pm. The route has yet to be confirmed.
Our friends at The Climate Coalition will be putting on coaches from all over the country to help people get there on the day.
