Climate activists call at Skipton on way to COP26
They're walking an average of 20 miles a day to get to the 26th UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow
Last updated 20th Oct 2021
A group of climate change activists are arriving in Skipton this afternoon (20 October) as part of their walk to COP26 in Glasgow.
COP26 is the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties and will run from 31 October to 12 November.
Carbon Copy set off from London and are walking an average of 20 miles per day with hopes of educating people about how they can be more environmentally friendly.
They are involving businesses, local government and community groups, to show how big of a difference we can make to the planet when people act together where they live.
Sam Bailey, team leader, said: "Engagement is at the heart of this. Whether you're an 11-year-old student or a 45-year-old business person, we've all now understood and heard what climate change is and what it's doing to the planet.
"What we need to do now is react with the urgency that the situation requires. It's moving from a general awareness to actions. We're targeting that through individual conversations, town hall meetings and project visits."
The team of six left Bradford earlier this morning and will touch down in Skipton at around 4.30pm today. Tomorrow they'll then head off to Horton in Ribblesdale, a small village and civil parish in the Craven district.
Ric Casale is also taking part in the walk. He added: "We are increasingly aware that we are running out of time. This is the decade of action and so we really need to galvanise the momentum that we see around us because we don't have the luxury of waiting for anyone else to do it. It's up to all of us.
"I've found it energising hearing people's ideas. We're doing a really gruelling walk but when we stop and meet people in the communities and we're seeing their initiatives it puts a whole different spin on things. There is lots of hope out there."
The group are encouraging others who are working on initiatives to reduce carbon emissions or protect the environment to get in touch so they can share those ideas with people along their journey.
The COP26 summit will bring parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
It's a chance to work with all countries and join forces with civil society, companies and people on the frontline of climate change to inspire climate action.