The Global Fight to End Fossil Fuels has registered over 400 actions, marches, rallies, and events around the world. These mobilisations against fossil fuels are coordinated by more than 780 endorsing organisations. They are expected to draw millions of participants between September 15 and 17, 2023. This includes a Pier-to-Pier march and rally in Bournemouth on Sunday September 17.
The actions are part of a mass global escalation demanding a rapid end to fossil fuels in a just and equitable manner ahead of the UN Climate Ambition Summit on September 20, in New York. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on world leaders to make ambitious commitments to phase out fossil fuels.
This historic global mobilisation renews and reinforces the coordinated efforts focused on ending the era of fossil fuels. The scale of this mobilisation and the urgency of the moment underscore the devastating impacts of recent record-breaking heat, deadly floods, and increased extreme weather events. The mobilisations are expected to draw millions of people and put a spotlight on world leaders who continue to expand oil, gas and coal. The campaign calls for renewed commitments for a rapid, just and equitable phase out from fossil fuels and a move towards sustainable renewables. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and millions of people around the globe, are putting pressure on world leaders to phase out fossil fuels and oppose the fossil fuel industry, which profits from the oppression of millions.
The science is clear: the world needs a rapid and just transition to an efficient, fair and universal energy system based on clean energy sources, and produced with respect for nature and the sovereign rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities. The latest data backs up the International Energy Agency finding that no new fossil fuel extraction can be developed under a 1.5°C limit, and shows that over half of existing fields and mines be shut down early while protecting workers and communities. The responsibility lies with the leaders of rich nations with a historical legacy of pollution to deliver a fast and fair phase out of fossil fuels and fund it globally.
The Global Fight to End Fossil Fuels comes to Bournemouth on Sunday September 17, 2023, with a Pier-to-Pier march and rally. The event is organised by Extinction Rebellion Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (XR BCP) and will be open and accessible to all and family-friendly.
The march will leave Bournemouth Pier Approach at mid-day and proceed slowly along the promenade to Boscombe Pier, where there will be a rally. Extinction Rebellion’s drumming band – XR BCP Rhythms – will bring the joyful noise and participants are invited to express their creativity with face painting, costumes, musical instruments, homemade placards, chalk art and banners.
As spokesperson for XR BCP and a Bournemouth resident, I have issued a call for local action:
“July 2023 was the hottest month in recorded history. It seems almost daily that we are seeing unprecedented climate catastrophes around the world, the latest being the heart-breaking floods in Libya that have left more than 2,000 dead and more than 10,000 missing. The time for global action to end fossil fuels is now. That action can start at a local level, particularly when groups and individuals around the world take action in solidarity and unison, to amplify everyone’s voices.”
