THE BLOOD OF OUR CHILDREN

• In a dramatic, theatrical action this weekend Extinction Rebellion Sheffield will highlight the existential threat posed to future generations and the ongoing extinction of species caused by the climate crisis and ecological emergency.

• Featuring the first appearance in Sheffield of the enigmatic Red Robes, the march will take the form of a funeral procession, culminating in the symbolic spilling of non-toxic, synthetic blood as a symbol of the relentless extinctions caused by human activity.

• Rebels will leave from DINA venue at 12:00 on Saturday 28th of September to march to Tudor Square via Barker’s Pool and the Town Hall.

The climate crisis and ecological emergency is not a distant future. It is here and now. There is scientific consensus that we are on course for the sixth mass extinction event in the Earth’s history. Families are already fleeing their homes due to sea level rise and extreme weather exacerbated by climate change.

If we continue the unsustainable practices perpetuated by current government policies, ecosystems will collapse. This will cause food and water shortages and exacerbate global warming. It will cause suffering.

Humanity’s actions are currently catapulting us towards disaster. We can no longer turn a blind eye to the existential threat that our way of living poses to biodiversity and the future of our young people.

In this dramatic action, we aim to tell the truth about the climate and ecological emergency.

Starting from DINA Venue at 12:00 on Saturday 28th September, the Red Robes will lead a funeral procession via Barker’s Pool and Sheffield Town Hall to Tudor Square, where in a symbolic action, fake ‘blood’ will be poured, and the names of extinct species and murdered activists will be remembered.

We are aware that this action will be shocking but it is essential to expose the public to representations of the death of our planet before humanity is outpaced by the stark reality of the climate and ecological emergencies.

Everything must change to protect this planet, it’s ecosystems and our futures. We must act now.

Quotes:

Stephanie Howlet, Action Coordinator:

“The world is currently heating at a rate beyond all predictions, and yet many people are unaware of the dire implications for our children if we carry on as normal. We hope that by staging this moving event in the heart of Sheffield people will take on board the need for urgent, radical action by our government and councils and the need to change our life styles while there is still time to avert the worst consequences.”

Contact Details:

Nathan Strathdee: 07741490906, xrshefpress@gmail.com

George Hume: xrshefpress@gmail.com

Dr Bing Jones: 07711447306, bingportraits@gmail.com, ​xrsheffield@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/318206208861152/

Twitter: @XRShef

Instagram: @XRShef

Notes to editors

Climate Factsheet for Rebels https://rebellion.earth/the-climate-factsheet-for-rebels/

About Extinction Rebellion:

Time has almost entirely run out to address the ecological crisis which is upon us, including the 6th mass species extinction and abrupt, runaway climate change. Societal collapse and mass death are seen as inevitable by scientists and other credible voices, with human extinction also a possibility, if rapid action is not taken.

Extinction Rebellion believes it is a citizen’s duty to rebel, using peaceful civil disobedience, when faced with criminal inactivity by its Government.

Extinction Rebellion’s key demands are:

• The Government must tell the truth about the ecological emergency, reverse inconsistent policies and work alongside the media to communicate with citizens

• The Government must enact legally binding policy measures to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2025 and to reduce consumption levels

• A national Citizens’ Assembly to oversee the changes, as part of creating a democracy fit for purpose.

Get involved in Extinction Rebellion’s other events:

In the UK, come to one of our events, join the Rebellion Network and let us know how you can help out.

Start a group where you are - locally in the UK or in your country around the world.

Find your local group:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=11jUqqjTHMThksd4KbvGGzb3I3Cr3PkBl&usp=sharing

Check out the International XR website, with links to the French, German, Italian and UK websites. We are holding Collaborative Leadership Calls to help coach people to improve their leadership skills and capacities. And while your time and energy are the most important things, if you are financially able to donate money, see our Fundrazr crowdfunder.

Websites:

UK Website: https://rebellion.earth/

International website: https://xrebellion.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExtinctionRebellion/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExtinctionR

hashtag: #ExtinctionRebellion

Declaration of Rebellion: https://rebellion.earth/declaration/

About Rising Up!

Extinction Rebellion is an initiative of the Rising Up! network, which promotes a fundamental change of our political and economic system to one which maximises well-being and minimises harm. Change needs to be nurtured in a culture of reverence, gratitude and inclusion; whilst the tools of civil disobedience and direct action are used to express our collective power.

Website http://www.risingup.org.uk/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RisingUpUK/

Twitter https://twitter.com/RisingUpUK