As momentum builds for the COP26 conference in Glasgow, we’ve started to see all kinds of protests to encourage world leaders to take immediate action against climate change.
Looking to do his part, artist and maker Bamber Hawes, from Shropshire, has had one seriously wild idea.
His plan is to carry a ten foot polar bear sculpture named Clarion for 300 miles, all the way from Shropshire to Glasgow, on a massive 22 day trek.
Pictured:Artist Bamber Hawes and 10 foot tall Clarion
He said: “I’ve previously worked in the film industry as a model maker, prop maker, set designer and special effects sort of person.
“I thought it would be nice to make a big bear, but wondered what I would do with it. The best idea seemed to be to take it to Glasgow for the COP26.
“The polar bear is such an iconic animal these days representing the Arctic north and the problems of catastrophic ice loss.
“I don’t see Clarion as a cuddly bear, but as a majestic wild beast who is frightened and bewildered by the rapid changes. He is angry, as we should all be too.
"I want to grab people's attention.”
Pictured: Clarion on a test run Credit:Andrew Fusek Peters
Clarion the bear is currently undergoing rigorous tests to ensure that he is fit to fight the Scottish weather on his journey.
Bamber said: “He’s incredibly light because he’s made bamboo poles, willow withies and tissue paper so the only problem might be wind.
“I’ll have to do some tests in the next week or so to see how he can be carried lying down if it’s blowing a gale.”
Although members of the public are encouraged to join the artist and his bear along their route, Bamber stresses that this will be a calm and meditative experience rather than resorting to the abrasive tactics used by other climate change protesters.
Pictured:Clarion prepares for his journey Credit:Andrew Fusek Peters
He said: “I’ve never been done anything quite like this before.
“I’m calling it a pilgrimage rather than a march or a demonstration which sounds too combative.
“It’s a quiet day of walking and talking with people, moving through a tranquil landscape talking about the climate, our lives telling stories.
“I’ve done things for XR in the past, in fact, Clarion did once have an XR rebellion logo on his chest but I’ve removed it.
“I want to keep it as a peaceful pilgrimage rather than a large, banner waving rabble with people getting arrested and a police cordon."
It’s hoped that through this impressive undertaking, world leaders who are gathering at the COP26 might realise just how much responsibility lies with them in combating the climate crisis.
Pictured: The SSE Hydro where COP26 will be held
Bamber said: “Everything seems to need to have a message these days, but it’s obvious isn’t it?
“We’ve got to get going and do something.
“I’m amazed that people aren’t making more of a fuss about climate change.
“We’ve got all the evidence, but it’s the politicians who need to come out and tell people that this is what we need to do.
“We are at the tipping point now when there are going to be catastrophic changes that we will not be able to fix later. But at our best, humanity is amazingly creative.
“We do have all the answers, we just need our leaders to have the political courage to make them happen.”
Pictured: Clarion at sunset Credit:Andrew Fusek Peters
For more information on how to get involved, as well as updates from Bamber and Clarion the Bear, visit the Facebook page here.
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