Earth Day 2023

Around the world, people recognised Earth Day on 22nd April with protests.

In London, climate activists and Extinction Rebellion gathered before the Houses of Parliament. They ran a four day campaign to demand climate action.

Matthew Tulley, who volunteers for Extinction Rebellion, wants the politicians to listen.

Matthews Tulley: "The whole thing is about influencing politicians. We've got May elections coming up fairly soon."

In order to attract more supporters to the demonstrations, Extinction Rebellion avoided their more extreme style. In London, some 10,000 protesters joined the demonstrations in Parliament Square.

The protests highlighted nature and biodiversity and the decline since Earth Day 1970. To demonstrate the 70 percent drop in wildlife populations, many protesters participated in a 'die-in'.

People in other capitals around the world also recognised Earth Day. In Lima, Peru, shamans held a ceremony to 'calm the anger' of Mother Earth.

Here's shaman Anna Maria Simeon.

Ana Maria Simeon: "What we have been doing today, since we are celebrating Earth Day, is asking Mother Earth to calm her anger."

The ceremony included coca leaves, swords, incense and a live snake. These are offered with prayers to thank the planet.

President of the Association of Shamans, Walter Alarcon explains the ceremony.

Walter Alarcon: "We always thank the Earth because sometimes the human being is the one who deteriorates the Earth and so nature responds. That's why there are many disasters."

The shamans prayed to Mother Earth while protesters were making demands from the government.

Tarin feels that the protests need more supporters.

Tarin: "At the end of the day we need a lot more people than this to come together and unite. I think with people rising with numbers, the government and big businesses will be forced to make some drastic decisions."

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