The winds are changing

The winds are changing, for better and for worse.

The changes to our climate are impossible to ignore and the science is clear – we are the cause of it. They are also changing in the sense that we are slowly waking up to these previously known but largely ignored facts and are more ecologically aware than most were in previous eras. The winds are changing but the mainstream politics seem to largely dismiss it as the last push for fossil fuels is fueling politicians into inaction regarding the climate. 

Yet we still hold the key to mending some of the damage caused by our consumption and unsustainable economy, something which prompted the the biggest climate march in history on the 21^st of September this year. People from all around the world in all stages of life took to the streets in 162 countries to demonstrate their concern over the dramatic changes in the climate. The demonstrators also took an active stance against the exploitation of our natural resources and the inaction which our politicians have shown in their reluctance to act in order to deal with this impending crises which is sure to happen should we allow it to go unnoticed.

The march had many prolific and interesting speakers – the archbishop of London, Rv. Richard Charters, spoke of the moral necessity of pressing for political action as climate change indeed is a game changer in policy making as a whole and in our sense of solidarity as a species. The shortages of water supplies around the world, the ever-growing hunt for fossil oils in sensitive climates and the looming inevitability of coming climate disasters displacing more and more people were all reasons of moral and economic concern and he strongly urged those who have a bigger historic guilt in this matter, e.g. the industrialised countries, to right the wrongs which have been committed for their prosperity. Other speakers spoke of disasters in local areas in the UK such as the recurring floodings which have been linked to the rising temperatures in the climate and the devastating results they have had on the people, the climate and the economy as a whole. The turnout also attracted rather known names, such as actress Emma Thompson and activist designer Vivienne Westwood, who spoke of our obligation to future generations and the necessity of a change of lifestyle towards the sustainable.

Personally, I felt deeply moved by the great mass of people that showed up and the commitment and hard work put into making it all happen by the various NGO's involved, allowing us to take this important stance for a better world. The speakers came with a great variety and gave many interesting points of view on a very pressing and important topic which will undoubtedly affect all of us one way or another. The march also further cemented my belief in the need for a sustainable world and the urgency of this issue, something which was shared by the tens of thousands of people taking to the streets with me and which Warwick Vintage and Upcycling society has as a working foundation .

 If we are ever to act for a better world then there is no better time than now. If we are ever to improve the situation and save ourselves from future disasters then there truly is no better time to start than today. The winds are indeed changing so lets make it a good change.

/ Hiba x