Organisers expect 'tens of thousands' for Glasgow climate rally

Organisers of a climate rally due to take place in Glasgow later say they expect tens of thousands to take part in the event.

Demonstrators will set off from Kelvingrove Park at 11am before marching to Glasgow Green, one of a series of events being held across the world to demand climate justice.

Organised by the COP26 Coalition, the Glasgow event will include speeches from climate activists Mitzi Jonelle Tan and Vanessa Nakate and author Darren McGarvey.

Mikaela Loach, a Scottish climate activist who is taking part in the rally, said: “Many thousands of us are marching right across the world today to demand immediate and serious action. We’re clear that warm words are not good enough, and that the next week of talks must see a serious ramping up of concrete plans.

“World leaders have to commit to ending any new oil, gas and coal production – no exceptions. The science is clear – we have to keep fossil fuels in the ground if we’re serious about stopping runaway climate change.” 

Yesterday, thousands marched through the city as part of the Fridays for Future event, including striking schoolchildren.

At the summit itself, young people met with negotiators and officials.

The day was co-chaired by YOUNGO, the Official Children’s and Youth constituency of the UNFCCC which opened with a session called Unifying for Change: Global Youth voice at COP26. 

YOUNGO also presented the COY16 Global Youth Position statement, representing the views of over 40,000 young climate leaders from across the world. The statement presented their priorities directly to Ministers, including action on climate finance, mobility and transportation, through to wildlife protection conservation.

COP26 President Alok Sharma said: “Wherever I have been in the world, I have been struck by the passion and the commitment of young people to climate action. The voices of young people must be heard and reflected in these negotiations here at COP. The actions and scrutiny of young people are key to us keeping 1.5 alive and creating a net-zero future. 

“I am also aware of the fear and anxiety many of them feel about the future of the planet, including my own children. That is why we must act on the COY16 Global Youth Position Statement from COY16 and the manifesto from the Milan Youth4Climate Summit.”