THE words of those feeling the effects of climate change rang out in Wimborne during an environmental demonstration.

Members of the Wimborne branch of Extinction Rebellion marked the COP28 gathering in Dubai – the annual United Nations conference tasked with addressing climate change – by voicing the experiences of those already impacted.

They stood on the River Allen pedestrian bridge and spoke to passers-by for three mornings.

“We spoke to hundreds of residents and the overwhelming majority were concerned about climate change,” said campaigner Rosemary Lunt.

“We want to raise awareness that many countries in the Global South are already suffering climate catastrophes including drought and food insecurity, floods, heatwaves and wildfires.”

The Global South refers to various countries around the world, sometimes described as developing, less developed or underdeveloped. These countries have contributed the least to climate change but are suffering the worst impacts.

Around 10 members of Extinction Rebellion Wimborne read the words of climate activists from India, Kenya, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands and Uganda.

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“With terrible conflicts happening in the world, and the constant worry of the cost of living, it’s easy to forget the urgent need for action on climate change by all governments – including our own – if we want to ensure a liveable planet for humanity,” said fellow campaigner, Joanna Bury.

“We call for a rapid phase-out of fossil fuels, and no new oil or gas projects. Not only is this vital for reducing climate change, but renewable energy will provide homegrown, affordable energy which is not subject to the whims and wars of foreign tyrants.

“It’s not too late, we can still avoid the worst of climate change if governments act now.”

And the stated aim of Extinction Rebellion Wimborne’s actions?

“We need to change the national conversation so that our government has no choice but to act to protect all our futures,” Joanna added.