A local climate protest group went on a march in the city centre, targeting local branches of national businesses.
Earth Strike Merseyside, an action organisation based in Liverpool, aimed their protest at companies that they accuse of majorly contributing to climate change.
Tesco on Bold Street, Liverpool Central Station’s Sainsbury’s and HSBC on Lord Street were just a few of the businesses targeted on Friday.
The group, which was set up in February this year, have led nine marches in the city so far, and have attended all of the strikes organised by Liverpool Youth Strike 4 Climate, a separate group of activists.
Paul Greenough, a member of the group, told JMU Journalism: “Marches like the one on Friday include picketing outside institutions like banks and supermarkets and giving speeches outlining their impact on the environment.
“We feel that this is very important as it highlights the role that the giant monopolies play in climate change and environmental destruction.”
Around 30 Earth Strike Merseyside supporters gathered at St George’s Hall and outlined the plan of their march.
Mr Greenough added: “We find that those who publicly display to us that they disagree often do not want to engage in discussion, but it is very clear in the IPCC [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change] report that we have very little time left until climate catastrophe.
“The only way forward is to build a movement against climate change that challenges the forces driving it.”
YouTube: Danielle Wilson
James Lloyd, a student marching with but not part of the group, told JMU Journalism: “Getting out there to show a physical presence is important so that political action isn’t just seen on a screen, and is overshadowed by something louder.
“I think it’s vital that we see the ecological dilemma as a part of its wider economic context. The current consensus subtly blames us for the issue. It’s not a lack of recycling that’s caused this situation, it’s the entire structure of the free market.”
Protesters said they faced forms of abuse during their march, from attracting laughs from members of the public to having a can of energy drink thrown at them.