Written for the November 12, 2021, issue of Penguin News under the headline “Residents demonstrate for Climate Justice”

Environmentalists gathered at the Stanley public jetty on November 6 for the “Global Day of Action for Climate Justice.”

While representatives of various global governments met in Glasgow for the COP26 talks on the Environment Falklands residents gathered on the public jetty to make known their concerns about the environment and encourage action in the Falkland Islands - especially with the election of a new Legislative Assembly having just taken place.

Gathered attendees discussed what action they would like to see regarding the climate crisis and chanted to passing vehicles, the two main chants being a call and response of “what do we want? Climate justice! When do we want it? Now!” and a rhythmic “no more coal, no more oil, keep your carbon in the soil!”

Penguin News spoke to organisers of the event William Hendy, Marc Bundy and Mark McLeod about the reason for the demonstration.

Mark McLeod said it was thought it would be a way “to demand more action from MLAs” and that as others had demonstrated around the world to push for climate action they wanted “to join them and show our support.”

On what they would hope to see in terms of action Mark McLeod said “I’d like to see ways the government can implement more infrastructure for renewable energy.”

He added that he had hope for habitat restoration and activities like tussac planting, which both sequester carbon and are “perfect for providing habitats for endemic species here.”

Marc Bundy said he would like to see individuals live, “a more basic life.”

“Everybody’s protective of their children and they want the best for them, but nobody thinks about the future of their children in the next 40, 50, years.”

William Hendy said another difference could be made by individuals through increase reuse and recycling of various goods.

“We’re obsessed with buying brand new things, and I think that’s hurting us to change.”

William added that by recycling and reselling clothes, or cycling to work instead of driving, individuals can both make a positive change for the environment and save money.

On this Mark McLeod said “communication between government and companies,” as well as organisations such as Falklands Conservation, the South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute (SAERI) and British Antarctic Survey (BAS), could make a difference in the Falklands.

“If we can get all these people to communicate and work together then I think that’s the way forward in terms of reaching that carbon neutral goal.”

Asked what their response would be to individuals who say that the Falklands are too small to make a major difference, and that local environmental efforts are without merit, Mark McLeod said “we are a small place in the world, but so what? I think we can be a big example to the world in terms of those sort of [environmental] goals.

“If we can do it here then maybe we can inspire others. If they can see a little, small island, is doing this much for the environment, then why can’t we?”

Nicholas Roberts