I am pleased to share details of an environmental action event, which took place in Huddersfield, at which I made the keynote speech.
Hundreds joined the Planet Festival at Greenhead Park in Huddersfield on Saturday (5th September) bringing together local environmental campaigners, community and faith groups calling for urgent climate action ahead of the UN talks in Paris this December.
The event aimed to mobilise local calls for climate action and to collect petition signatures which they will be taking in person from Kirklees to the UN climate talks in Paris, as well as highlighting a range of local climate and eco campaigns including Anti-Fracking, Fossil Free Divestment, Run on Sun, No TTIP, the Bee Cause and much more.
The Festival also included a wide range of kids' activities including a 'funky junk' sculpture, scraptastic junk modeling, bubble making and face-painting. There was also live music, belly-dancing, performances by Threadbear Theatre, a Speakers' Corner, film screenings and campaign stalls, including a chance to sample vegan food. A giant bee and sun were also seen roaming the park and joined in the Park Run earlier in the day!
Some excerpts from my speech:
We’re facing the biggest environmental challenge our generation has ever seen. No matter what we’re passionate about, something we care about will be affected by climate change.
We have no choice, doing nothing is not an option. If we want to secure a bright future for our children then we must act now.
So together, regardless of our colour, Caste or creed, we must join hands to save our planet. One family, one planet.
While some may see climate change as a political or economic issue, I see it first and foremost, as a moral challenge. Leading on climate is part of how we live out our faith and fulfill our mission in the world.
I believe that my faith compels me to embrace greener choices in my life.
We are simply stewards holding whatever is on Earth in 'trust', therefore we should ensure that we do everything possible to protect for this and future generations in order to leave this world a better place.
Best wishes,
Kiran
