29 November 2019

Inverness SYCS has emailed

"We are the Inverness branch of the Scottish Youth Climate Strike (SYCS) group, and we are writing to you to invite you to join us, and millions across the globe, at our next big event; the Global Climate Strike on the 29th of November. We can all play a part in bringing this crisis to the forefront throughout the world.

"Over the past few months we have all seen a huge increase in youth activism, in particular, youth climate activism. We as a society are just beginning to wake up to the climate crisis, and the youth have raised the alarm. All eyes are on World leaders to see how they respond to this crisis. This is no longer just a teenage girl striking from school in Stockholm, but a whole generation, fearful for our futures, and demanding change in our society. At the last Global Climate Strike on 20th September, 300 people protested in Inverness. 40,000 in Scotland. 300,000 in the UK. Over 7 million in 185 countries worldwide. 

"But this is just the beginning. Young people will continue campaigning and striking until our voices are heard and there is climate justice. And we want your support. This strike is an excellent opportunity for you join us in protesting and speak out alongside us. The press and many locals will be there, and high-street business have also confirmed their support.

"The Inverness strike will begin at 11am in Falcon Square and last until 2pm. There will be chanting, music and a mic to make sure that our message is heard.  We hope that you share our concern about the urgency of climate breakdown and that you can support the youth by campaigning with us.

"We will need confirmation of who is coming and would like to speak, so please let us know by Monday 25th at the latest.  We look forward to hearing back from you, and hope to see you at the strike."

Inverness SYCS

The Inverness protest as part of the latest Global Climate Strike took place in the High Street on Saturday (29 November).  A small but dedicated crowd, many with placards or banners, listened to speeches, joined in chants and enjoyed music from a solo fiddle.

Two of the most noteworthy speeches were from thirteen-year-old Connie from Fortrose, fearful that unchecked climate change might deprive her and her children of the future they had a right to expect, and Ariane Burgess, the Green Party candidate for Inverness in the forthcoming election.  A highlight of the event was a five minute 'die-in', with all the protesters lying down in a symbolic representation of the likely fate of much of humanity if climate change is not addressed.

The SYCS email continued

"Over the past few months we have all seen a huge increase in youth activism, in particular, youth climate activism. We as a society are just beginning to wake up to the climate crisis, and the youth have raised the alarm. All eyes are on World leaders to see how they respond to this crisis. This is no longer just a teenage girl striking from school in Stockholm, but a whole generation, fearful for our futures, and demanding change in our society. At the last Global Climate Strike on 20th September, 300 people protested in Inverness. 40,000 in Scotland. 300,000 in the UK. Over 7 million in 185 countries worldwide. 

"But this is just the beginning. Young people will continue campaigning and striking until our voices are heard and there is climate justice. And we want your support. This strike is an excellent opportunity for you join us in protesting and speak out alongside us. The press and many locals will be there, and high-street business have also confirmed their support."