MEMBERS of the Extinction Rebellion (XR) group from Abergavenny and Brecon joined thousands of protestors from all over the UK in London, in peaceful non-violent action, to obstruct some of the capital’s busiest roads.

Extinction Rebellion (XR) is demanding immediate action over environmental destruction, climate change and the loss of biodiversity.

The group from Abergavenny and Brecon are blocking Oxford Circus, while other groups are blocking the road at Marble Arch, Waterloo Bridge, Parliament Square and Piccadilly Circus. Roadblocks are to continue around the clock in the latest attempt to raise public awareness and provoke action over the destruction of the biosphere.

“Until recently I was living a normal life” said Sian, a 54 year old member of the Brecon XR group. “Then I started to read the climate science, and my heart started to break. I learned that we are in the most immense, catastrophic crisis. I had to do something. It might not work. We might already be too late. Extinction Rebellion is our best shot, and it has to be now.”

Extinction Rebellion is calling on the government toreduce carbon emissions to zero by 2025 and establish a citizens’ assembly to devise an emergency plan of action.

The action is part of an international movement to protest against environmental and ecological destruction. Protestors have been asked to take part in non-violent civil disobedience and are prepared to be arrested.

Robert Proctor from the Abergavenny Extinction Rebellion Affinity Group, a father of two young boys said, “I find it heart breaking to see what we are doing to nature and to each other and although I have never been arrested before I am prepared to put my liberty on the line for this cause.”

People of all ages have joined Extinction Rebellion, including grandparents.

Grandmother of four, Hilary from Abergavenny‘, aged 66, said, “I cannot bear the thought that my grandchildren will not have the life that I had hoped for them, that their time on earth may well be limited. I have to act NOW or I cannot live with myself.’

Another grandparent who will be blocking Oxford Circus with the group, Vicki Stinchcombe, is acting for her four grandchildren. “I need to be their voice; the responsible adult who they can look to and protect their future and to trust.’ said Vicki. “I’ve joined environmental groups, I’ve protested and made banners but it’s not enough.”

The Extinction Rebellion movement says that there is no other choice other than to disrupt the economy. ?Patrick Hannay, from Abergavenny, at the London protest, has been involved in environmental action for over twenty years. “The latest IPCC report was a big wake up call”, said Patrick. “It was time to scale up the sense of emergency. We should get governments to stop the ’burning’ and to get them to listen and act.”

People who have joined Extinction Rebellion say they have finally found a voice.

Sarah Jackman, another member of the group, said, “Joining Extinction Rebellion in London gives me the opportunity to take part, to make a difference, and to contribute to getting this important issue noticed.”

The action in London continues all week.