Climate change and what to do about it

Reverend Mark Coleman outside St Chad's with a poster for Extinction Rebellion

Extinction Rebellion will be leading a talk at St Chad’s Parish Church on Wednesday 19 February entitled “Heading for extinction – and what you can do about it”.

Launched in 2018, Extinction Rebellion is an international movement which wants the world’s governments to declare a 'climate and ecological emergency' and take immediate action to address climate change.

Reverend Mark Coleman, Vicar of St Chad’s Parish Church in Rochdale, was one of hundreds arrested during the group’s protests in London last year. He says it is not the policy of the Church of England or St Chad’s to advocate nonviolent direct action.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/130534/reverend-mark-coleman-to-protest-against-climate-crisis-with-extinction-rebellion

Revd Mark said: “We are in a climate emergency and we cannot carry on business as usual. If we bury our heads in the sand, or do too little too late, then we could lose everything we hold dear. Rochdale people care deeply and want to work out what they can do to bring change. We cannot leave it to the politicians, or the youth, or even religious leaders; it needs many of us.”

The Extinction Rebellion actions in London in April and October last year have had an impact on government policy, with a climate emergency declared and many local councils following suit, including Rochdale.

However, Extinction Rebellion and others stress that little has been done to make a difference, as carbon emissions are still increasing.

Revd Mark added: “I hope many will come to this event so that each can work out how in their own way they can help bring about the change we so urgently need.

“The people of Rochdale do great things when they come together.”

Extinction Rebellion’s origins can be traced to a group called Rising Up!, created in 2016 by a small group of activists.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/65251/events-in-rochdale/heading-for-extinction-and-what-you-can-do-about-it