UK Climate Camp- More than Just a Protest

Thoughts about the UK Climate Protest

by Nicole Sorochan

Climate camp was about more than just a protest- it was a movement of people from all walks of life uniting to learn about, share amongst, grow with and defend the only planet we have.  I first arrived at the camp feeling, jet lagged, lost, miserable, wet- and discouraged because of the constant police raids.  But soon I found myself  less of an outsider and more of a member of an amazing community. The police presence meant that what we were doing was important – so important it threatened the state – and not in a “terrorist” way but in a way in which only mass movements can. It threatened the approach the government was taking to climate change and environmental policies – a large voice demanding change.  Just like the great movements throughout history- people hold the key.  This was a movement loud enough to be heard and admired around the world- I for one, as a Canadian am humbled to have graced the camp and protested amongst some of the UK’s finest citizens:  Those who stand up for not only their own rights, but for the rights of all mankind.

 The camp was filled with many interesting learning opportunities around sustainable living, alternative energy, and learning how to take direct action.  It was organized by no-one and organized by everyone. It was based on the most idealistic form of equity and ancient greek democracy- only unlike the real world, for the most part… it worked.  People worked together well, spoke their mind and kept the camp running smooth with security, onsite jobs, and cooking, event planning and more.  The day of mass action, where 4 groups went by foot, air, water and, as spectators, to take over Kings Coal powerstation was most impressive.

After organizing groups and training  each individual action tactics on how exactly to be successful in each action, how to deal with the police, and understanding their legal rights- it was time to head out.  Every group had a plan that was coordinated with the main headquarters using internet, radio and mobile technology.  A group of campers stayed back to “guard” the base and assist with logistics.  Every person had a job and every individual was accounted for.

It was like watching an organized military operation.  The map of the area was blown up and each group was marked on the map. Every 15 minutes new updates about each team was posted.

 The outcome? They made it inside the plant and “shut down” the electrical fences around KingsNorth.

....

As I got on the train and headed back to London, I fell into a hypnotic reflection of all that I had endured at the camp.  Smiling faces that were genuinely concerned for my well being, a community working together, a corporate less area where designer jeans were only important if they were clean.  This amazing reflection clashed with the harsh symbols of our society very quickly when some young kids behind me paraded around in their finest and discussed their next purchase.  Leaning against the window in the train, I recall a hazy collection of bright, flashy colors and brands passing by me on billboards making my eyes burn- I felt for one moment invisible to my surroundings and as if I was the oracle off of the matrix and could see the world around me shatter from overconsumption, neglect and denial.  As I walked through the train station I felt as though I was suffocating – constant advertisements, people holding shopping bags – carrying on like they had no clue that an amazing group of people stood up for them while they were busy consuming…  All of them somewhat curious about me- unclean with camping gear and a dazed looked in my eyes.  But what could I expect? This is the force we are up against. To get the nonbelievers to take action.  To realize if we do not drastically change the way we live within the next 100 months what we fear and we have been warned will become more than just a vivid nightmare but our own impossible reality.  After much reflection and enlightenment I boarded a plane to New York.- My actions too need to change.