Christian climate activists dressed as Christmas puddings have marched on Westminster calling on the government to deliver on climate change commitments made at the COP26 summit in November.
The pudding protesters are part of a movement of people calling for action on climate change, demanding justice for the world’s most climate vulnerable communities.
The campaign has been organised by Tearfund, Christian Aid, The One Campaign, and The Climate Coalition. They say the action has been backed by over 50,000 supporters who signed a giant 3-metre Christmas card for Boris Johnson, calling for greater climate ambition.
They’re calling on the Prime Minister to ensure countries deliver stronger national plans to keep 1.5°C alive and secure more ambitious climate finance commitments. They also want the government to press for finance for climate-related loss and damage and move from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
Patrick Watt, Policy and Campaigns Director at Christian Aid, said:
“COP26 generated a lot of pledges. But those living on the frontline of the climate crisis now need to see pledges turned into real action.
50,000 people from churches across the UK and from all walks of life agree. They are letting the Prime Minister know that when it comes to promises made in Glasgow, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
Christmas is a time of hope. We call on the Prime Minister to heed these messages from the British public, and by meeting the government’s promises give hope to those hit hardest by climate change.”
Dr Ruth Valerio, Director of Advocacy and Influencing at Tearfund, said:
“The pledges made at COP26 gave some hope for a future below 2C but right now these are just words. If the Prime Minister wants a lasting legacy from the Glasgow Summit then the UK government needs to keep pushing countries around the world to deliver on their promises and strengthen their climate plans. The UK has a responsibility to make sure that words are turned into action and, along with 50,000 people from around the country, we’ll continue to hold the Prime Minister to account. Because when it comes to real climate action, the proof is in the pudding.”
Tim Cole, Europe Executive Director for ONE, said:
“The climate crisis is already having a devastating impact on people and communities in low-income countries, particularly many in Africa. We in the UK are not yet doing enough to support them so we have come to Westminster to make our voices heard and let MPs know just how important it is to tackle these issues. 2022 has to be the year of climate justice.”
Following the COP26 summit in Glasgow in November, the government said it will continue to press governments around the world to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the next year to limit global temperatures to 1.5 degrees celsius.
Alok Sharma, the President of the summit, said the world had shown in Glasgow that countries can work together to establish a framework for climate action but stressed that the next year must focus on keeping the promises made at the meeting.