Their aim was to be heard by local politicians, and as far away as Glasgow – the setting for the UK-hosted COP26 climate change conference. And the ‘Clang for Climate’ on Cobden Bridge on Saturday evening brought groups together and created a cacophony of noise, drumming the “we need to act now” message home. Read more to hear our interview with an organiser, and for further pics.
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Around half those who turned out to clang on the bridge
Use the player below to listen to the ‘Clanging for Climate’, and our interview with an event organiser.
Duration: 2mins:24. No player? Try this link.
To the bemusement of some, but drawing hoots of support from many drivers queuing for lights in the usual evening Cobden Bridge traffic jams, participants lined the bridge and blasted out rhythms on drums, saucepans, hooters – anything, including the ironwork of the bridge itself.
Preparing to clang on the bridge
“Really the time for talking is over,” organiser Richard Mould-Ryan told bitternepark.info.
“There must be urgent action now. The COP process hasn’t succeeded in delivering in a big way yet, and this time must turn it around. We really have to see serious action agreed at this meeting in order that can be concrete action and major cuts to carbon emissions over the next 10 years if we’re going to hit the net zero target by 2050.”
He said the action creates a “feeling of community spirit in the area” and that part of the campaign is to do with flooding, with areas alongside the Itchen at risk of flooding in the next 30 years.
Use the player above to hear our interview with Richard - and beats from the bridge..
