Updated September 22nd, 2019 at 20:24 IST

Climate change: 4 'Extinction Rebellion' protesters arrested in the UK

In yet another protest for climate change, four Extinction Rebellion protesters were arrested in UK 's Dover port. They stood for food scarcity in the future

Reported by: Tanima Ray
| Image:self
Advertisement

At least four activists from the Extinction Rebellion movement were arrested while attempting to shut down traffic at the cross-channel Port of Dover on September 21, over a protest called No Food on a Dying Planet'. The campaign aimed to draw attention to the United Kingdom's dependency on food imports, and to the risks climate change poses to food security. At the same time, another small group of protesters stood at the A20 road near the port, blocking the outgoing traffic. More than 20 police vehicles were deployed in the area to control the situation. 
Read: UN Youth Climate Summit: Young Activists Demand Bold Action

The arrest of the protesters

Earlier Dover Police had issued an order to confine the protest to a designated area near the port, where attendees enjoyed music, performances, and speeches. Yet many members came down to break civil code and blocked the road around the port. Amongst the arrested was 91-year-old John Lynas who said to the media that his generation is responsible for the climate change emergency. John was held on the charge of violating Section 14 of the Public Order Act. Similarly, another 61-year-old human resources manager, John Halladay too was arrested. He said he joined the rebellion because he was concerned about his grandchildren. The third protester was arrested within the hurry of controlling the situation. 
Read: UNGA 74: From Terror To Climate Change To Iran; Everything To Expect

Why was Dover Port chosen by the protesters?

The Dover Port handles 17 per cent of the UK's total trade in goods and sees 12 million passengers a year passing through it. It was chosen symbolically for the very reason. About 40 per cent of Britain's food is imported through Dover Port. In coming days, there will be massive fall in crop production so less food will come through, he added.
Read: Paris Climate March Halted Amid Clashes Between Activists And Police

Effect of climate change on food supply

Nearly 20 per cent of the UK’s fruit and vegetables come from countries threatened by climate breakdown, according to a report published by the Environmental Audit Committee at the houses of the UK Parliament this week. The report argued that that the country's failure to act on climate crisis and dependency on food imports, puts the national food security at risk.  The protests were a call for international mobilization at the UN Climate Action Summit in New York next week. The Paris Agreement which was signed in 2015 to lower global temperatures by 2-degree celcius is not enough to combat the climate crisis, protesters said. Global carbon emissions should be halved by 2030 to avoid serious impact from climate change, as per UN reports.
Read: Bhumi Pednekar Turns 'Climate Warrior', Launches Pan India Campaign

Advertisement

Published September 22nd, 2019 at 19:18 IST