COP26: Thousands of protesters demand climate action as UN conference continues in Scotland

Dozens of events are planned worldwide to demand cuts in fossil fuel use and immediate help for communities already affected by climate change

In Glasgow, police said they expected up to 50,000 people to parade through the streets, while organisers later claimed more than 100,000 had turned out

Reading Time:3 minutes

Extinction Rebellion activists march to demand action to combat climate change during the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference taking place in Glasgow, Scotland on Saturday. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 3:55am, 7 Nov 2021Updated: 3:54am, 7 Nov 2021

Tens of thousands of protesters braved rain and wind in Glasgow Saturday to take part in worldwide demonstrations against what campaigners say is a failure of crunch UN climate talks to act fast enough to tame global warming.

Dozens of events are planned worldwide to demand cuts in fossil fuel use and immediate help for communities already affected by climate change, particularly in poorer countries.

In Glasgow, police earlier said they expected up to 50,000 people to parade through the streets, while organisers later claimed more than 100,000 had turned out.

Parents and children from around the world call on leaders to end financing for fossil fuels, in Glasgow, Scotland on Saturday. Photo: AP Images for AVAAZ

Demonstrators marched close to the COP26 summit venue and through the centre of the Scottish city on Saturday in a colourful protest with music and dancing.

Protesters chanted “system change, not climate change” and carried placards calling for “Climate Justice” and a “Fair COP” as they made their way to a park on the edge of the city in the afternoon.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x