Extinction Rebellion Highlands and Islands use sandcastle competition to depict impact of rising sea levels on coastal communities
Extinction Rebellion Highlands and Islands has used an annual sandcastle competition to highlight the dangers of sea level rises in light of climate change and the UK governments announcement of 100 new oil and gas exploration licences.
The group took part in the annual sandcastle building at Clachtoll Broch, where they depicted what would happen to the Broch with rising sea levels.
The idea for the demonstration came after a member of the group discovered that Clachtoll Broch would be under water by 2050, if sea levels continue to rise.
A spokesperson for the group said: "Adding water around the Broch sand castle to depict 2050 sea levels we saw the gradual erosion and cracking of the Broch which eventually collapsed into the sea. Yes it was by no means a work of art like some of the brilliant sand sculptures, but it certainly got people’s attention and support from people on the beach.
"Climate change will mean we will be experiencing flooding around our own coasts as other Island Nations around the world are already suffering.
"This means sea level rise will affect everyone and especially those in coastal communities. It is therefore critical that governments take action in line with what the scientists are telling us.
“We can’t stop rising sea levels, but we still have a chance to slow them down, rather than issuing new oil and gas exploration licences as the UK government are currently doing."
