Sir Patrick Vallance will address MPs regarding the climate crisis, following a hunger strike campaign led by protesters.
Angus Rose (52), refused to eat for 37 consecutive days during his vigil in front of parliament. He demanded that the scientific advisor give a public address about the climate crisis to MPs.
After the all-party parliamentary panel on climate change announced that it would host Vallance to address the issue, he has ended his hunger strike 17kg lighter.
Rose was informed by a spokesperson for the group, which is headed by Caroline Lucas, Green MP. They will gladly host a briefing on Climate Change for MPs and cabinet members from Sir Patrick Vallance (the government’s chief scientific adviser). This event will take place in the new Parliament session, likely May-June. The briefing will also recorded and sent to all MPs following the event.
Representatives from Lucas said that Vallance had agreed to the briefing and that a date would be set soon.
Rose had originally asked Vallance to address a parliament committee rather than a briefing of cabinet via televised, but he agreed. He was pleased with the outcome, he said..
A group of 79 scientists, including Sir David King, the former chief scientific advisor to the government, supported his hunger strike. They wrote a letter in support of his request, saying that briefing on climate and ecological crises would help our leaders enact the right policies to decarbonise society at the appropriate pace while also conserving biodiversity.
Rose was admitted to hospital as precaution but has started eating again. He stated that he felt dizzy and weak after so many days without eating.
Rose said that many parliamentarians are unaware of the serious implications of climate crisis. Although they have access to the information, no system has been put in place to ensure that they engage and comprehend it. This is the reason why it has been so frustrating. My hope is that MPs will be able to understand the science and act with the appropriate urgency.
The prime minister was sworn in on 28 January 2020 BriefingVallance led the discussion on climate science. Johnson, who in the past had disputed claims made by climate scientists, later claimed that it was his Damascus moment for climate science. He stated to reporters that government scientists had reviewed it all and that anthropogenic temperature change was very difficult to dispute.
Rose and other campaigners requested that such briefings be made public and that all MPs and ministers be informed about the science.
According to the hunger striker Guillermo Fernandez, a Swissman who inspires most, he was inspired by him the most. A victory was claimedAfter 39 days of hunger strike scientists announced that they would meet Swiss MPs for climate science discussions after 39 days.
Lucas said, “I am relieved that Angus Rose ended his hunger strike which required immense courage and resilience and determination. He can now begin to work towards recovering and his health.” It shouldn’t be necessary for someone to risk their life to highlight what scientists have been saying for decades: We are on a fast path to climate catastrophe, according to UN secretary general Antnio Guerres.
If the government is serious about protecting future generations, like Angus’ niece and nephew, it must stop using half-measures and dead cat distractions. Instead, it should act as if lives depend on it.