March for Climate Action Day Glasgow COP26! - Scotland’s motto is “Bairns not Bombs”

The Real Voices for Climate Justice speak out! - Scotland’s motto is “Bairns not Bombs”

Over 100K, by far the biggest march during COP26 in Glasgow, took place Saturday 6^th November 2021, as part of the Global day of Action for climate change. If the diversity, enthusiasm, belief and energy of those marching, and chanting for change to insistent drum beats could be bottled we’d have change immediately!

The march was good natured and fun with people of all ages and from all corners of the world who want their voices heard! They marched morally for a just transition. Many different activist groups took part – indigenous peoples group, Scottish green party, All Under One Banner (AUOB) for Scottish Independence, for a greener, sustainable, inclusive, well being Scotland free of nuclear weapons. And many more besides. 

 

It seems that world leaders and democracy is failing us. Some might ask how urgent is the climate crisis, our planet now faces? We only have to look at the images of grey, dead coral reefs (once multi-vibrant colours), ice caps melting, violent storms and floods – to see we are reaping the devastating aftermath of careless Global “growth”

 

There are many voices calling for action now – later will be too late, telling us we have no time to loose now. Vague promises are of no use anymore. I see my grandchildren’s faces and I hope there is a future for them.

How ironic that the UKs Trident nuclear subs are housed just up the road at Faslane naval base and peace camp. Scotland’s motto is Bairns not Bombs and we don’t want to store these disastrous weapons near our largest city.

A majority of Scots don’t want Trident in our waters, we don’t want Brexit, we want fairer welfare and pensions, investment in renewables and we don’t want a Tory government. So why do Scots have to be the caterers and not have a seat at the table of the Climate Conference? Why are Scots alone in not wanting independence? Scots my once have been the engine of an empire but now we’re not even partners.

 

Many now believe climate is the top of the agenda and cannot be ignored. its complex too. There are several issues to address - Biodiversity, forests, energy supplies, the oceans, reducing meat, using local, transport, and giving back to indigenous peoples. The Covid pandemic showed us that the world can act when it decides to – with all nations putting money into their pots to deal with the crisis. People are now not asking, but demanding change.  

 

We must address our own actions, science and the land and oceans.

The question is how do we change?

 

We must develop Renewables much faster! Ban private jets, massive yachts,

And the indigenous peoples of the world, cannot be ignored. In the developing nations morally we know greed is a sin and we need to give back to save our planet. There is many lands under threat because of the industries of the developed world. Time to pay back.

Do we fight Big Business. Democracy is failing us…One way is for our politicians to stop fooling us and to stop talking about this growth. 

 

Instead we need cleaner air, better quality of life. After this moving Glasgow march for social justice and part of the Day for Action to save our planet, on the train I passed the pristine white village of the COP26 climate conference, where the world leaders were in a ring of steel. And I thought our only hope is for People Assemblies for change, made up of civic groups, academics, scientists and the professionals – who can see the answers and understand the urgency. 

Cop 26 Protesters include - Pacific climate warriors, Ocean Rebellion, Greenpeace, Green Party, 

Extinction Rebellion

 

COP 26, Glasgow

COP 26 takes place in Glasgow, Scotland 31^st Oct to 12 November 2021, at the SEC Glasgow. Many road closures start on 23sd October. 

We are expecting great disruption to traffic, as well as demonstrations and all the extra security. 

 

I remember a drive in the natural forests of Fall in Massachusetts when I was blown away by the beauty and range of colours. Sadly the contrast in Scotland couldn’t be more stark, after depleting the natural forests to build trenches in the First World war, the UK Forestry Commission has built these squares of dark green conifers where there is dead undergrowth and no biodiversity can survive underneath. Some have burnt and nothing survives here.

 

Scotland has seen its resources depleted and destroyed over centuries. Like Ireland we suffered enforced emigration, particularly in the islands with the Highland and the Lowland clearances.  

In recent centuries humans have been disturbing the world’s natural habitats and wildlife – destroying forests, depleting fish stocks, burning fossil fuels, polluting our air. There are much fewer butterflies or insects and under many tress there is a dead undergrowth. 

Wonderful fall colours New England

Empty Glencoe

We’ve disturbed the habitat of bats, which has led to several recent world pandemics – SARS, Mers, Ebola, Swine flu and now Covid-19. This will continue, unless we all change our attitudes to selfishness and growth. 

In recent centuries humans have been disturbing the world’s natural habitats and wildlife – destroying forests, depleting fish stocks, burning fossil fuels, polluting our air. There are much fewer butterflies or insects and under many tress there is a dead undergrowth.

 

There are signs of hope – more people are cycling, more are reducing meat intake, more work at home, more people want to buy local. Its great to see families cycling on our quiet roads – is this the way forward? Any drugs or vaccines are only short term fixes, we must cure the source of these serious threats. More people die from air pollution, asthma and allergies than ever before.    If this virus has taught us anything, its that we depend on each other. We must urgently save our planet to save our own lives. 

 

**The Earth Shot award to Costa Rica – rewards landowners to restore forests and plant fruit trees. Celebrates its bicentennial of independence , a country of 5m able to build a sustainable future with healthy eco-systems.

*Food waste. A third of food is wasted. We need to go back to local shops for fresh foods. 91% live in areas of air pollution, at lest 7m are killed each year by air pollution. 

 

 **When is COP and when do travel restrictions begin?

 

COP26 will be held over two weeks from 31 October - 12 November 2021 at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow. Road closures start a full week before on Saturday 23 October, and last until Monday 15 November.

 

Some roads within the SEC campus site are already closed.

Some days are expected to be busier than others, with the biggest disruption expected on Saturday 6 November which has been designated as the 

Global Day For Climate Justice.

About 100,000 protesters are expected in Glasgow, with a march which begins at Kelvingrove Park at noon before making its way to Glasgow Green for about 15:00.

 

 The hope is for Carbon Neutral by 2040.

**We all benefit from being in nature. 

Scotland can join other world leading nations, with its vast natural resources, as a leader in renewables. We also need to urgently change our attitudes to the crisis – we all must change how we behave and take the climate crisis seriously.”

 

“Every sovereign issuer in the world could agree to create up to 5% increase annual GDP in new  money and ring fence it for a revolutionary investment in referable energy generation, in carbon capture, climate science and protection of the worlds vulnerable ecosystems. This wouldn’t devalue the value of any single currency because if all nations act multilaterally the risk of an inflation crisis would be negligible. “

 

“Cop 26 means Glasgow can host the moment that the world changes direction and avert na environmental disaster and Scotland can be a leading light in helping realise the new global environmental zeitgeist.”  Gordon Macintyre Kemp

  

We must dare to dream we can build a better world – or we’ll have no planet left to save. 

 

Wildlife Photographer Peter Cairns

Loss of Biodiversity

 

Campsie hills

Urgent need to restore nature and make Conservation Pay

Urgent need to plant trees

 

World at 75% biodiversity

 

The UK at 53% biodiversity and in the bottom 10%.

 

The River Dee in Aberdeenshire: in the 1960s 40% of the young salmon returned up the river – today it is only 2%! Salmon are an indicator of how life is doing in our rivers. 

Fish suffer thermal stress above 23 degrees, our rivers are now at 26 degrees over the summer.  the river valley used to be 70/80% trees, now at 8% trees. 

There is a plan to plant one million trees along the river banks to provide shade. 

Natural Forrest multi-colours Fall New England

This devastating lack of trees in Scotland, with only 4% natural forests, is not only about industry here UK, but about wood for the trenches in the world war. Scotland has had its wildlife and forests plundered and exploited, with its empty glens and often only one tree.

Celtic Connections 2022 RETURNS!

 

Transatlantic Sessions

Thrilling to hear that CELTIC CONNECTIONS will return January 20^th to 6^th Feb, to celebrate its 29^th year,  as the world premier winter roots, folk and world music festival. It will be held in Glasgow’s iconic venues.  With over a thousand musicians, and events over 18 days. And is famous for its unique collaborations and connections. The focus this year is on young talent with "Tradovation". 

A bright light of emerging talent with a series of concerts from young acts that seek to find innovation, inspiration and exploration within traditional music.  New commissions from musicians at the forefront of the roots, folk, jazz and orchestral scene in Scotland.

Grit Orchestra

New Talent. The opening concert Neath the Gloaming Star – will mean a great deal , after the lockdown months of this Pandemic.“Celtic Connections 2022’s opening concert is a statement of the festival’s commitment to present and hold up emerging acts, recognising what is being done by young musicians in Scotland and internationally to carry the torch for Scots folk song into the future”, Creative Producer, Donald Shaw, “there’s no doubt that this year’s festival has an added significance to it, and in the context of the last couple of years, we’re eager to capture the collective human experience that is at the heart of what’s been missing for people – the sharing of experiences, songs, music and stories.”

Orchestra. 21 January Skye electronic Celtic fusion band Niteworks joined by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, with Gaelic singers Kathleen MacInnes and Sian, night of commissioned orchestrations.  Capercaillie will be joined by Scottish Symphony Orchestra, led by Greg Lawson in a world premiere of orchestrations of the band’s illustrious back catalogue.

Anniversaries. English folk singer-songwriter Kate Rusby, will celebrate 30 years at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall  1 February.   Plus the 20-year anniversary for Quebecois folk quintet Le Vent du Nord, who will bring The Old Fruitmarket to life 28th January with their raucously blend of guitar, fiddle, hurdy gurdy and lusty French vocals. They blend a modern sound, rooted in Celtic music from both Ireland and Brittany, and showcase the festival’s cross-cultural spirit

Indie bands will showcase several gigs, including Twilight Sad at the Old Fruitmarket. Plus the ever popular concerts of the Transatlantic Session and the Roaming Roots Revue.

The festival line up will include Fergus McCreadie, Matt Carmichael, RANT & The Ledger, Kim Carnie, Westward The Light, Hamish Napier & Adam Sutherland, Mairearad Green, Jenn Butterworth, Mike Vass and Charlie Grey & Joseph Peach.

 

** Celtic provides a place of warm cheer with the energy of eclectic, accomplished and enriching roots music for those long, chill January nights and days – that challenge as well as being inspired by the past. Last year the festival was online only which saw over   30K fans worldwide tune in. 

Braebach

 *Celtic Connections began in 1994, when it offered 66 events at one venue. Since then it’s grown more adventurous, experimental and diverse each year and now offers thousands of events in locations across Glasgow.  Funded by - The Scottish Government Festivals Expo Fund by Caledonian MacBrayne, La Bonne Auberge and Holiday Inn Glasgow Theatreland. The BBC has supported Celtic Connections since its first year and the festival is pleased to collaborate once again with them for 2022.

Rachel Sermanni