Whilst world leaders, billionaires, and delegates from oil companies attended Cop26, the climate conference in Glasgow, hundreds of thousands of people marched through the streets for climate justice.

The protests attracted a broad coalition, from trade unions and indigenous campaigns to school children and many individuals. I joined the protests, not only because of my anger at world leaders’ inaction, but also because of the disproportionate effect climate change is having on the world’s poorest and most insecure.

Climate justice must ensure the transition to a green world is equitable and just. The decisions made can’t just mitigate climate change for the rich, they must also challenge inequality, poverty, and oppression for all.

The climate crisis is by no means far away for people in Newham. We live in the most polluted borough in London, with plans for the Silvertown Tunnel threatening to worsen the issue. Last July, flooding closed three stations and Newham Hospital’s A&E department, showing that Newham’s infrastructure is not prepared for extreme weather.

Newham is also a borough with one of Britain’s highest levels of poverty. We need secure jobs and accessible training to challenge insecure work and unemployment.

In Newham, this could be achieved with a commitment to green jobs from the council, focusing on renewable energy, expansion of public transport and other sustainable industries.

We need affordable and safe homes. Investment in insulation, rent caps and an end to precarious housing is vital for Newham residents; especially to provide security in the face of climate change.

The Cop26 talks won’t solve the climate crisis. World leaders are too obsessed with fossil fuel profits. We need to keep protesting to demand change from the Government. I was inspired by the vast display of unity at the Cop26 protests. So many people stood up to call for change.

Newham is vibrant, diverse and powerful. From community gardens to housing campaigns, we prove that building a just, sustainable world is possible and it must start right on our doorstep.

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