Today (17th November) Oxford university students enjoyed a successful day's climate campaigning, as part of the NUS climate action day. Around 40-50 cyclists attended a Critical Mass-style bike ride around the city centre, each cyclist advertising the December 3rd demo with a bright green flag. We managed to slow some traffic and attract public attention, which was gratifying! The 'flotilla' then finished up in Broad Street for free hot chocolate, where a climate stall was also being manned for the duration of the afternoon. Loads of signatures and pledges were collected in our 'What Are You Doing?' action, where people pledged their personal lifestyle changes as a challenge to our two local MPs, that they too ought be pulling their weight. Flyers were given out, energy-saving tips exchanged, and persuasive arguments deployed for doubting passers-by (not too many, thank goodness).
Finally the day was rounded off with a candlelit vigil on the steps of the Sheldonian theatre, to contemplate those afflicted by climatic change thus far, and those who will yet be affected in future. Photos are hoped to be appearing in the student press soon. A chalking campaign (chalking slogans and messages on walls and pavements across Oxford!) also advertised the run-up to these events.
All in all, a day well spent - awareness further raised and various campaigning methods tried and tested for future initiatives. Hope to get some photos uploaded onto the CCC site at some point?
More photos here
P.S.
Meant to add: the day was organised by OUSU environment committee and Oxford People & Planet, and advertised by various groups such as OSAN, Young Greens and CYCLOPS (Oxford cycling group).