Thousands of people took to the streets of Glasgow this weekend, participating in a large-scale climate march timed to coincide with the COP30 climate talks in Brazil. The demonstration, organized by groups including Friends of the Earth Scotland, marked one of the largest climate protests in the city since Glasgow hosted COP26 in 2021.
Growing Public Pressure for Change
The march highlighted escalating public concern over the climate emergency and the perceived inadequacy of political action. Demonstrators carried banners declaring “A Better World Is Possible” and chanted slogans against fossil fuel projects like the controversial Rosebank oil field west of the Shetland Isles. A children’s contingent voiced their concerns directly, chanting “Stop Rosebank, the planet is for everyone.”
Interconnected Struggles: Climate, Justice, and Global Conflicts
The protest wasn’t solely focused on environmental issues; it also underscored the interconnectedness of climate justice with broader social and political struggles. Palestinian flags were prominently displayed in solidarity with Gaza, and activists emphasized that the fight for environmental protection is inseparable from human rights and social justice.
“We must act together and with urgency against the same corporate and political forces behind those existential threats,” stated John Hilley of the Gaza Genocide Emergency Committee in Glasgow.
COP30 and the Unfolding Climate Crisis
The Glasgow march took place as COP30 delegates gathered in Brazil to discuss the implementation of the Paris Agreement, which aimed to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C. However, the UN Secretary-General has acknowledged that breaching this threshold is now unavoidable, and many world leaders are absent from the talks.
Public Sentiment: Frustration and Urgency
Demonstrators expressed deep frustration with the pace of change and the perceived failure of political leaders to address the climate crisis effectively. Anna Brown, a protester, stated, “We’re not seeing the change we need, and people are continuing to suffer.”
A Multi-Generational Movement
The protest drew participants of all ages, including children like Ailsa, nine, who succinctly summarized the stakes: “There is no planet B.” Martin Canavan, who marched with his daughter, emphasized the need for collective action to improve the lives of those most affected by climate change.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
This protest is symptomatic of a growing global trend: increased public mobilization demanding concrete action on climate change. The convergence of environmental concerns with social justice movements, such as solidarity with Palestine, underscores the broadening scope of climate activism. The lack of decisive leadership at COP30, coupled with the UN’s acknowledgement of failing temperature targets, only fuels public frustration and underscores the urgency of systemic change.
The Glasgow march serves as a stark reminder that the climate crisis is not merely an environmental issue but a multifaceted social, political, and economic challenge demanding immediate and comprehensive solutions
