BROMSGROVE District Council became the first authority in the world to fly two sea-signalling flags to highlight climate change.
Council leader Coun Karen May was joined by campaigner David Train last Friday as they began the inaugural ‘raising and striking’ drive.
Picture by Tristan Harris.
The flags will be raised every Friday morning and lowered at the end of that day.
The chosen flags – recognised around the world – were significant because the first flag ‘W’ is flown when urgent medical attention is needed and the other one ‘E’ is raised when a vessel needs to change course.
Mr Train said the flags epitomised the current climate emergency the world was facing.
The ‘raising and striking’ already takes place every Friday at other venues across the county, including Finstall First and other schools, Worcester Cathedral and the University of Worcester.
Mr Train now wants people, groups and organisations from around the world to fly the flags every Friday.
“It would be great if they could be flown above Parliament and at other key buildings up and down the country and beyond.
“If we can bring the country together in this common cause and common good – for humanity – then we can extend it around the World.”
Coun May said: “We are committed to climate change and are seeking funding, changing policies and making decisions to make Bromsgrove a better and greener district for all our residents and visitors.
Picture by Tristan Harris.
“By flying the flags we are demonstrating our commitment to the cause and inspiring other councils, organisations and businesses to recognise the need to take action and change the course of how we exist on our precious planet.”
The flag raising came as people from around the world took part in the biggest ever protest against climate change, inspired by Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg.
The pair mutually agreed it was better to ‘strike’ the flag rather than ‘strike’ from school or work and cause unwanted disruption.
Any other people, schools, churches, community organisations or businesses which want to join the campaign and fly the flags every Friday should email Mr Train at [email protected].
