PEOPLE joined together in a walk to Bradford's City Park to highlight the urgency of tackling climate change.

Around 150 people made the journey from Baildon to Bradford, via Shipley, on Friday (September 17), while other walkers joined from Allerton. 

They were united in a “commitment of love, concern for nature, the planet and humanity".

The walk was backed by Bradford Cathedral, Friends of the Earth, Global Justice Now, Hope Rising United People’s Movement, Bradford Trades Council and other organisations.

On arrival in City Park, the walkers were greeted by the Peace Artistes band.

All made a circuit of City Hall, led by gigantic Cecil Green Arts puppets, to symbolise the importance of politicians taking strong action to address the climate emergency.

There was also music from DJ Jerry Crawford from Collective Impact, food and speeches.

One young speaker said: "Three years ago I made a speech about the need for our politicians to act on the climate emergency. I don’t want to be here again. I want to see action."

Mollie Somerville from Global Justice Bradford, said: “People walking together sends a powerful message calling for action. There is a need to overcome injustice, widespread poverty and planetary collapse. It can be done if governments act now.”

The walkers were calling on the West Yorkshire Pension Fund to sell its investments in oil and gas companies.

“This action will save Bradford Council money," said Jane Thewlis from Fossil Free West Yorkshire.

Ruth Simpson added: “Bradford is an innovative city full of creative leaders. The good news is that a low carbon Bradford is one that is healthier and safer for everyone now as well as in the future.

"This is an opportunity to improve life expectancy and health here in Bradford. It has been estimated that air particulate pollution killed 191 people in Bradford in one year

"The world renowned Born in Bradford project says that air pollution seems to be toxic to every organ in our bodies.

"If we invest in public and active transport and minimise private vehicle and air travel we will improve our health now and protect ourselves from climate crisis. In addition if we insulate homes we will cut fuel poverty, improve health and cut carbon emissions.” 

The walk comes two months before the intergovernmental meeting in Glasgow, COP26, which will review measures to curb global warming.

The organisers of the Bradford walk believe the district needs net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

Mike de Villiers, of Baildon & Shipley Friends of the Earth, said: “We are showing how positive we feel about Bradford, the world and its future, if we act to prevent this human-made global warming."