On 18th November the first Quaker vigil for Climate Justice was held outside MK library.
Milton Keynes Quakers write:
A group of us met for a vigil on Climate Justice outside the Central Milton Keynes library building for half an hour on Saturday afternoon, 18th November. We stood in silence with the Quaker banner and lit candles in jam jars on the ground in front of us. We wished to make a public statement about our concern for climate justice. It also gave us the opportunity for personal reflection. There were passers-by. Some noticed us and our banner and stopped briefly. No one asked us questions, however, we had prepared in advance a short leaflet based on the meaning of Climate Justice, by way of explanation, if that were needed.
WHAT IS CLIMATE JUSTICE?
The climate crisis affects us all, but it does not affect us all equally.
Wealthy people and countries are cushioned from the worst impacts of climate breakdown, at least for now; the poorest, who have done the least to cause the crisis, are hardest hit.
CLIMATE JUSTICE MEANS:
- We must acknowledge that climate breakdown is a result of our unjust global economic system. The wealth of the UK and other industrialised countries is built on the violent and racist exploitation of people and the earth. Today, our economy’s dependence on fossil fuels and their extraction still hits poor people hardest.
- Rich nations must do the most to tackle the crisis.
- We must not only cut greenhouse gas emissions, but build more just economies – locally, nationally and globally.
- The rights and voices of poor and marginalised people must come first in the transition to zero carbon.
The Quakers are holding a further series of vigils for Climate Justice outside Milton Keynes Library from 2.00 to 2.30pm on the third Saturday of each month until the summer.
The dates are 20th April; 18th May; 15th June and 20th July 2024.
All are welcome to join in this Quaker let vigil.