As world leaders meet in Paris for the UN Climate Summit, Greenpeace is marching to call for an end to the fossil fuel era and a global commitment to transition to a 100% renewable energy future.
Emma Thompson, actor and activist, said:
“Shell has retreated from the Arctic. Coal is on the way out in many countries around the world. Now we need governments to keep up the momentum and stop propping up the dying fossil fuel industries. 100% renewables is 100% possible in the future. Even India, with huge energy needs for its people, can get solar energy cheaper than coal by 2020. I’m marching alongside people all around the world to make some serious noise so our leaders know the planet can’t wait, and we humans won’t wait!”
Thom Yorke leads the March of the Polar Bears
Greenpeace’s bloc will see a “March of the Polar Bears”, led by the Arctic Hope – a snowy vessel captained by Thom Yorke – who will DJ from the float during the march. The Arctic Hope will be flanked by a carnival of Arctic-themed costumes and polar bear puppets calling for protection of the Arctic and demanding investment in renewable energy.
Emma Thompson and Thom Yorke join a host of other famous names joining the march, including: singer and activist Charlotte Church, who will perform with a Welsh choir at the end of the march; Vivienne Westwood – fashion designer and campaigner; Vanessa Redgrave – actor and political activist; and Kate Tempest – poet, spoken word artist and playwright.
Greenpeace is also proud to be accompanied by around 30 workers from solar energy company Solarcentury. Seb Berry, Head of Public Affairs for Solarcentury said:
“Solarcentury staff are very proud to be participating in Sunday's event. When Jeremy Leggett set up our business back in 1998, some doubted whether we really were about to enter the ‘solar century.’ 17 years on and solar has joined the mainstream, with Solarcentury itself now active on four continents and solar technologies globally set to be the dominant source of electricity by 2050. But numerous challenges remain. We are optimistic that there will be a meaningful outcome in Paris but it's no use national governments, including the UK government, signing up to ambitious long-term targets if they are simultaneously taking the axe to solar and other renewables at home, destroying clean energy jobs and threatening investment in vital green technologies.”
John Sauven, Greenpeace UK Executive Director, said:
“The Paris climate conference is a chance for David Cameron to help make the world a better, safer, place. A race is underway between rising temperatures and the roll-out of renewable energy. The odds are on renewables to win. The prime minister should help by promoting the burgeoning renewable energy industry which can provide us with competitive, home grown energy – as well as jobs.”
March4Me
Following the tragic attacks on November 13, mass marches and demonstrations around the COP21 climate summit in Paris have been prohibited by the French authorities. So in solidarity with the people of Paris who can’t make their voice heard where they live, Greenpeace is promoting March4Me. This allows marchers from all over the world to take forward the message of those who wish to march but cannot. For more info see: www.march4me.org
Notes to Editors
- The march is being organised by a diverse group of over 100 UK organisations, including some of the UK’s most prominent charities and campaigning organisations, including ActionAid, Avaaz, Christian Aid, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, Oxfam, Islamic Relief and the World Wildlife Fund.
- The march will form up from 12 noon at Park Lane, setting off at 1pm to a rally at Westminster. For a map, see: http://climatejusticejobs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2015/10/routemap.pdf
- For further details of Greenpeace’s bloc on the march, see: https://www.facebook.com/events/528880917266992/
- The Arctic Hope is a part-ship, part-Arctic, sculpture constructed entirely from upcycled, recycled and repurposed materials. A biodiesel generator powers the sound and snow machine while a solar-charged battery array powers the lights and the electric vehicle pulling the float. The snow is biodegradable and eco-friendly. The cabin of the “ship” provides a DJ booth from which Thom Yorke will DJ.
- Thom Yorke will be DJing from Greenpeace’s float during the march and as such will not be available for media interviews.
- Photos will be available here from Sunday: http://photo.greenpeace.org/shoot/27MZIFJ6BD89U (N.B. this link will not be accessible until Sunday).
- Emma Thompson will be available for interviews during the march from Greenpeace’s bloc: contact Luke Massey for further information – 07973873155 – luke.massey@greenpeace.org
