Extinction Rebellion was back for its 'Summer Uprising' — and this time there was a boat.
Those protesting for greater action to be taken on climate change, 'paddled' their way up Strand in central London in Monday, in the latest wave of environmental protests to hit the capital.
The campaign consists of a series of non-violent disruptions held across five UK cities (London, Leeds, Bristol, Glasgow, Cardiff) over the course of five days this week.
Hundreds of protestors gathered outside the Royal Courts of Justice, to show solidarity with activists scheduled to appear in court, following April's environmental protests.
A gigantic pink dodo was seen parading alongside protestors — as well as a boat, bearing the motto' ACT NOW'.
Unfortunately, no boats or dodos were seen outside the London Concrete plant in Bow this morning (16 July), where protestors gathered for the second day of the campaign.
Activists blocked the site's gates until early afternoon, denouncing the growing impact of east London's construction industry, against the environment. The London Concrete plant is taking part in the development of the Silvertown Tunnel, a £1bn toll road under the Thames, which protestors believe will increase the levels of pollution in the capital.
Jackie Philips came to the protests accompanied with her two daughters. "The concrete industry has a huge impact on the environment; it's responsible for a lot of the carbon emissions worldwide," she told us. "There’s a school near the London Concrete plant and the children are having their lung capacity reduced by around 10% because of it."
Activists made themselves heard (some with speeches, others with musical performances).
Londoners represent a third of the 3,000 people who signed the petition to take part in this campaign.
Children also found their voice, waving flags, holding up placards, or dancing around the boat, on Monday.
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Some even earned shy smiles from policemen.
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Last April, over 1,100 activists were arrested after the 11-day long protests. Protestors had shown their dedication to the cause by going as far as gluing themselves to trains and buildings.
Featured image: guybphotos
