RNC '08 Report Climate Camp #1: G20 Activists Set Up Protest City in London's Financial District

The Camp for Climate Action is promoting the idea that the failed economic system hasn't just created the financial crisis, it's responsible for the climate crisis. They say that trying to tackle climate change with market instruments like carbon trading would hand control of the climate system over to the same bankers, brokers and private traders who caused the financial collapse, and that we need a radically different economy not based on endless growth. They point out that we will not be able to ‘bailout the climate' in the way that governments have had to bailout banks.

WE SWOOPED, WE CAMPED, WE SHUT DOWN THE EXCHANGE!

12 HOURS OF ACTION IN THE HEART OF THE CITY

Clomate Camp '09/1 April 2009—Yesterday around 2,000 people set up a Camp for Climate Action in the middle of the Square Mile, closing a major road for 12 hours as an act of direct action in the face of climate crisis.

The Camp was located outside the European Climate Exchange on Bishopsgate, to protest against the G20's plans to use deeply flawed carbon trading mechanisms to tackle climate change.

As planned, hundreds of protesters "swooped" from all over the City at 12.30pm and set up tents, bunting and bicycles in order to reclaim a large portion of the financial district.

Workshops, food, music

Throughout the day there was a programme of street workshops on themes such as the absurdity of carbon trading, the history of social movements and alternative economic models.

Pedal-powered sound systems and live bands provided entertainment, a kitchen provided hundreds of meals and a farmers market gave away organic vegetables.

The atmosphere was creative and joyful. The City of London is usually a major part of the climate problem, through the funding of fossil fuels and disastrous carbon trading schemes. For 12 hours we turned it into part of the climate solution.

Police aggression

Despite assurances made on Tuesday morning by Commander Broadhurst to climate campers in the office of David Howarth MP, at 7pm riot police violently attacked the camp, injuring many peaceful campers and bystanders who were not allowed to leave the area.

Despite this incursion, the atmosphere at the Camp remained calm and happy until around midnight, when riot police again moved in and aggressively dispersed the Camp.

We will not be deterred

We were there to expose carbon trading as a financial fraud which has nothing to do with climate change. Our success in turning Bishopsgate into an eco-camp has clearly rattled the authorities, who once again have used unnecessary force against us.

We will not be deterred, however. Climate change is the most urgent issue in the world, and our movement is growing stronger all of the time.

Get involved!