You don't have to be a genius to realise that climate change is one of the most significant and potentially disastrous challenges facing our generation. Whilst some of the nonchalant guys up top chill out in air conditioned conference rooms from Kyoto to Copenhagen, carbon emissions continue to rise and vulnerable communities all over the world await the knock on effects of this powerful and imminent phenomenon.

We cannot solely rely on politicians and diplomats to start acting positively in the face of such a pressing environmental issue, though we sure can count on certain dear old friends to make a bad situation infinitely worse.... As if the banks hadn't done enough during the last year to pose a colossal threat to our economic stability, some have even been busy enough to throw some fuel on the climate change fire. Case in point: The Royal Bank of Scotland.

Climate Camp activist Dan Glass explains why RBS was specifically targeted as the latest site for the group's uniquely creative brand of climate action: “RBS is nothing short of prolific in perpetuating the climate change problem; they're the single biggest financier of coal and gas projects in the UK, as well as countless others around the world. They're also responsible for financing projects in the tar sands of Canada, as well as being heavily involved with Shell in Nigeria.”

"In my eyes, the environmental atrocities that RBS are responsible for will incur serious repercussions in the future… The scale of global damage they're causing is so great and is occurring at such a high cost to the planet and its people.”

A catalogue of environmental offences, a shiny HQ building in Edinburgh, a chanting assembly of passionate activists committed to climate justice - August 23, 2010 was clearly set to be an explosive day in the RBS calendar.

A series of creative and innovative demonstrations at RBS branches all over Scotland ultimately resulted in massive disruption to the corporate giant's daily routine.

Dan continues: “Essentially, we wanted to stop RBS in their tracks. One less day at the office is one less day spent investing shareholder's money into projects that indiscriminately trash and disrespect our planet, and our future.”

With everything from super gluing doors shut to an improvised Lady Gaga spin-off performance at the RBS stage at the Edinburgh festival (complete with fossil fuel inspired lyrical alterations of course...), the Climate Campers definitely did an exemplary job of shaking things up in Scotland yesterday, ultimately resulting in a total shut-down of RBS HQ.

And according to the climate campers, it's about time someone did shake things up...

Despite having its fingers in all manner of pies the world over, RBS was dubiously bailed out a whopping £50 billion by the government last year. 

“In my eyes, the environmental atrocities that RBS are responsible for will incur serious repercussions in the future… The scale of global damage they're causing is so great and is occurring at such a high cost to the planet and its people.”

So what do Dan and the Climate Campers ultimately want to achieve?

“Stopping business as usual at RBS has proved that there's a committed community of activists that are capable of achieving positive change. Ultimately, we want to stop all future government and corporate investment in fossil fuels, and achieve justice for the communities affected by these reckless actions.” Dan adds, “Actions like those that took place at RBS yesterday are an essential part of continuing the struggle for real and tangible justice for our planet, and its people.”

Words: Eva Baker
Photos: Amelia Gregory

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For more info on how you can get involved with climate camp, go to www.climatecamp.org.uk