AROUND 40 people helped create a carnival atmosphere at a Machynlleth rally on Saturday backing town residents who took part in a national Day of Rebellion in London.

The rally at the town clock was to support members of the Extinction Rebellion Machynlleth group taking part in the event in London.

Katy Fowler, a member of the Machynlleth group, said they had decided it was time to take action to demand greater action on climate change.

She said: “None of us here, or those travelling down to London wish to cause a nuisance or disruption.

“But we agree with Extinction Rebellion UK that given the dire warnings from top scientists and academics around the world, it’s time to enact peaceful civil disobedience.

“We only have roughly 12 years to make drastic and permanent changes to our activities as a species, or we will heat the earth beyond 1.5 degrees and lose any chance of maintaining a future for our children and grandchildren.

“People feel they’ve tried all the usual channels and change is not happening fast enough.”

The Machynlleth group has come up with a range of ideas to support the national movement, including the latest rally, as well as a temporary homage to the ‘Hollywood’ Machynlleth sign on Penrallt reading Extinction Rebellion.

Katy added: “We have many people in the area who are experts on sustainable agriculture, forestry, ecology, geology, climate science and appropriate technology. The solutions are really already here.

“We just need the political will, and Extinction Rebellion states that that needs to come from citizens.

“There are precedents to rapid change – like Dig for Victory and the Indian Independence movement.

“Wales has a proud history of dissent and resistance – and a strong relationship with the land. The Welsh Assembly is far more progressive than Westminster and we need to continue to lead by example.”

The Machynlleth group meet every Monday between 6pm and 7pm at the upstairs of the White Lion.

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