“That citizen’s action should replace government inaction – to ensure that legally binding emission reduction targets are met – is entirely appropriate. Its too late to wait, and its all too clear on whose side real justice belongs”
Sir Julian Rose, Writer and environmentalist.

“Civilisation has never progressed by squatting in its comfort zone. The great human breakthroughs have always been led by small clusters of brave individuals taking costly stands. History will be the ultimate court of opinion that will judge the climate protestors. In so doing, may its hand not be forced to judge our wider British society too harshly.”
Professor Alastair McIntosh, Centre for Human Ecology.

“I support the actions of the Climate9 to stop airport expansion in Scotland because I feel it is imperative that citizens hold their governments responsible for the long term consequences of climate change. The urgent reduction of carbon emissions should be a top priority for industry, government and individuals.”
Elizabeth Rose, Maidenhead, UK.

“Ours is the first generation in the history of humanity to face the possibility of the total global collapse of our civilisation.   The ecological crisis, of which Climate Change is the single most obvious symptom, affects us all, and calls us all to act decisively to reverse the rush to ruin before it is too late. There is a long tradition of non-violent civil disobedience, and it has surely never been more justified than in this case.  There has never been a cause more urgent or more universal.” Canon Dr Kenyon Wright CBE,

“Across the UK communities are utterly frustrated about their inability to stop the relentless increase in flights at their local airports.  The Climate9 have done so many people a big favour by challenging the growth of Aberdeen Airport in such a dramatic way.”
John Stewart, Chair of AirportWatch UK

‘I am very proud of my brother for making a stand for justice. We learnt from our grandparents, who survived WWII, that if we see disaster looming, it is  essential that we speak out, for us, our kids and for generations to come. Whatever the price they have to pay for speaking the truth, the Climate9 are publicly prepared to do  to help bring justice for those badly affected by climate change.’
Naomi Glass, teacher and twin sister of Dan Glass

‘I resent the fact that the British tax payers are having to fork out again to prosecute 9 courageous young climate change activist who are trying to save our planet and its people.  The British tax payer already subsidise the aviation industry to the tune of at least £9  billions a year because there is no tax on their fuel. I think the British public need to be asking themselves who are the real ‘criminals’ here.’
Cathy McCormack long term campaigner on housing, health, poverty and climate change and author of ‘The Wee Yellow Butterfly’.

“As the mother of Josephine Hanson I fully support her actions in regards to her Plane Stupid protest. As a mother of four I would very much like to believe that future generations will be able to occupy a habitable and fair environment. It is our generational responsibility to leave behind a world worth living in. Hopefully the judge in this case will realise the good intentions of the people involved and acquit the defendants.”
Sally Lovejoy Bsc hons

“The threat of climate change is a real and pressing danger. It is a sad irony that concerned and active citizens taking peaceful efforts to highlight the danger and to cut emissions should face legal action, rather than those causing the problem in the first place.”
Duncan McLaren, Chief Executive, Friends of the Earth Scotland

“we extend our warm support to dan glass and the other eight activists for climate justice. we congratulate you for your courageous actions in the battle of survival against profit. we are sure that you and your friends will turn this trial against yourselves to a trial of those engaged in global destruction.”
Sathyu Sarangi from Bhopal (International Campaign for Justice in Bhopal)

“As parents, and  as human beings, we share the Climate 9′s real and justified concern at the short term focus of those who have in their hands the guardianship of our planet. Time is not on our side.”
Judy and Nick (parents of Tilly Gifford)

“To limit the degree of climate change to levels that would not have a significant negative impact on the planet, nothing short of an almost total decarbonisation of the energy and transport sectors is required. Until an alternative to fossil fuels is found for air travel, airport expansion will move our (UK and Scottish) emissions in the wrong direction compared to our targets under the Climate Change Act (2008) and Climate Change (Scotland) Act (2009). If we do not drastically reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, as set out under the aforementioned Climate Change legislation, there is good evidence and a broad consensus among scientists that globally, the resulting climate change would be dangerous, cause long term environmental and economic damage and precipitate considerable human suffering.”
Pete Smith.
Royal Society-Wolfson Professor of Soils & Global Change, FSB, FRSE,
Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences,
School of Biological Sciences,
University of Aberdeen,

“I support the climate9 and their airport protest. In spite of warnings for the past 20 years, 90% of us are carrying on life and extravagance, including flying, as though there were no problem ahead for the planet and humanity. These protesters are altruists giving unselfish sacrifice, that costs them at least some luxuries, and maybe career and risk of criminal record, while the climate criminal aviation industry continues with impunity, in the full knowledge of the scientific warnings”.
Geoff Lamb, Aberdeen resident and member of Aberdeen Campaign Against Climate Change.

“Can our leaders be trusted with decision making if they can’t or won’t put our environment first even when the results are obvious and catastrophic ? The climate protesters are only part of a great tradition of people who have cried out ” But the King has got no clothes ” – almost swamped by the crowd of cheering and waving courtiers………”
Allan Fyfe, Aberdeen resident.

“Climate change activists are fighting for one of the most fundamental of all relationships in human history- the relationship between Man and Earth.These activists and millions of people around the planet are struggling to protect their mountains, their forests, their rivers, their lives and in fact, they are struggling to to protect our futures and the futures of our grandchildren.”
Agrotosh Mookerjee , Academics and Students Against Repression, London.

“After seeing that Climate change is high on all 3 of our party leaders manifestos, this situation shocks me even more! Its a comfort to know there is a group of people who are looking out for our future. I thank them and refuse to be quiet while they are punished for it. “
Carla Isaacs, Grangehill Actress

“It might take direct action to bring Scotland to a sense of the terrible danger that we all stand in from uncontrolled global warming if government refuses to take hard choices.”
Chris Smout. Historiographer Royal in Scotland, and environmental historian.

“Climate change is a serious threat to humanity and to the planet. Governments are failing to take effective action and we understand that the Climate 9 are attempting to fill the gap. We wish them and their legal team the very best in making their case in court.”
- Claire Robinson, co-editor, GMWatch

“The terrible gradual danger that humanity and every other creature faces from global warming is as real as life itself on this planet. We all have to play our part in avoiding a looming calamity. An Islamic Sharia court would not punish a person who broke the law by stealing a loaf of bread because his or her children were hungry. Instead, it would condemn the system that created that situation”.
Bashir Maan, Convenor of the Muslim Council of Scotland.

“Climate change is already affecting some of the poorest people in the world. It is destroying people’s livelihoods, sources of food and water, and even their homes. Those people get no say in the decisions made in the UK that can worsen their suffering. That is why the Climate9 are speaking for those that do not have a voice.”
Amanda Walters, Campaigns Officer 2010-11, University of Manchester Student’s Union

“The UK government has shown remarkable hypocrisy in it’s acknowledgement of the urgency of the climate threat when it continues to encourage the growth of what is already the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions. It is our duty as citizens to inform and encourage our representatives to do the right thing, and to do the right thing ourselves when they refuse. I commend the nine activists involved in this case for risking their own liberty to do the right thing at a time when those whose responsibility it was had failed them.”
John Sauven, Executive Director of Greenpeace.

“The action taken by this group of individuals against airport expansion in Scotland reminds us how far from grasping some of the concerns that citizens share over the environmental and social impacts of such developments both here and abroad. Dan Glass has a keen sense of the social injustices that can play out around environmental issues such as climate change, and has been a welcome and a real activist on environmental inequalities
Maria Adebowale, Director of Capacity Global…everyone has a right to a clean and healthy environment

“South Asia Solidarity Group condemns these prosecutions in the strongest possible terms. Those who build airports to pander to the whims of the ultra rich while 30% of children in this country live in poverty – are the real criminals who should be prosecuted and punished. Our warmest solidarity for these courageous activists who have acted in the interests of us all and future generations.”
Amrit Wilson, South Asia Solidarity Group, London.

“Dan has always passionately believed that those fortunate enough to receive an education have a duty to use it for the betterment of society and the planet. As President of the University of Sussex Students’ Union Dan worked tirelessly through formal and informal channels to make real, positive change and inspired many other young people to fight for what they believed in and to actively question the decisions and the decision makers within our society. A healthy society needs these people.”
Paul Newton, Union Director, University of Sussex Students’ Uni

Aviation is a significant and rapidly-growing source of greenhouse gas emissions, and urgent action is required to put it on a more sustainable path. Between 1990 and 2007, Scottish CO2 emissions from aviation have risen by around 146%. Whilst we believe it is important not to over-simplistically demonise whole sectors, the drive for ever increasing expansion of airports is unsustainable, unimaginative and in danger of undermining our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and become more sustainable.
Gail Wilson. Stop Climate Chaos Scotland Co-Ordinator

Daniel Glass is a young man of the highest principles who has dedicated his life to promoting the cause of “Climate Justice”. He feels passionately both about the survival of the Planet and the cause of human dignity.He is motivated by altruism and a deep concern for the future of the World. I wish him well and not just because he is my only son.”
David Glass

“I am really proud of my daughter Kate and what she is doing.  It takes courage to make a stand and to take direct action.  It is so so important to look after and respect the planet – our stay on this planet is a very brief one but the impact we have is greater than we have the capacity to imagine. I am glad that Kate is passionate about a sustainable future and willing to do something about it.”
Anne Mackay – mother of Kate

“The Climate9 represent a group of interested, well informed and concerned citizens who have an important and valid message to communicate. The Government should be inviting them into discussions about aviation proposals and welcoming their views as part of a healthy deliberative debate on the future of air travel in Britain, rather than marginalising them and treating them as criminals.”
Clare Symonds. Chair of Planning Democracy

“It is easy to promise action on climate change – as a whole range of government policies and international treaties can attest. Behind the abstract targets, though, the same old business practices continue, aided and abetted by government support for airport expansion and aviation fuel subsidies. Those are the acts of ‘climate criminals’, whereas the brave and vital stand taken by the Climate 9 should be welcomed for advancing the cause of climate justice.”
- Oscar Reyes, Carbon Trade Watch

“I support the actions of the ‘Climate 9′ who caused no harm to anyone, did not endanger anyone, but did succeed in their mission to raise awareness about the Government’s plans to support further expansion of airports across the country. We all, as members of the human race, should applaud people who are prepared to raise public awareness of proposals which our own Government has identified as dangerous to the planet.”
Dr Anne Taylor

“Throughout history, social change and issues ranging from personal freedoms to the wider rights of cultures and protection of the earth’s environment, have largely been championed through direct action. This is typically when normal channels of protest have been deemed ineffectual and biased in favour of undemocratic power structures and big business. Whilst the judiciary has a duty to the public to ensure their safety, perhaps they also have a wider duty to society. Perhaps on this occasion we can avoid the long process of denial we have historically required before accepting new ideas, new principals and a new perspective as the obvious truth.”
Guss Abbot, friend of Bill Boggia

“That there are still individuals willing to put their liberty on the line for the sake of sending out a wake up call to this country is something that inspires and comforts us in this age of ecological collapse. The courts of this country should instead be busy dealing with the climate criminals of our time. That they are not is testimony to the very need for ordinary people like the climate 9 to risk all that they have, their liberty, livelihoods, family relationships in the struggle for climate justice. Let their voices be heard.”
Eleanor Brown and Jason Kane, friends of William Boggia and family

“Thank you for your courage in putting yourself at risk so that meaningful, consequential and responsible reactions on the part of those who have the power to act, may follow. Sadly, your radical actions as a group are necessary, even vital, before the looming disaster may be averted (or perhaps it is already too late for that).”
Henry Davies

‘Climate change is a far bigger crime than anyone sitting on top of any building waving banners. It has already killed many thousands of people. It is going to kill many more hundreds of thousands of people, even if we immediately start reducing our emissions. I applaud the bravery of those who are able to stand up to the political status quo to demonstrate that we care, that everyone deep down in their hearts cares about the future of our children and all our life-support systems – air to breathe, water to drink, food to eat – all of which are under threat.
Thank you to Dan Glass and the rest of the climate 9.
May the adjudicators recognise and value your efforts.’Lusi Alderslowe, Bodhi Eco Project

‘In my experience governments are often enabled to change their views by people who have the moral bravery to challenge unjust laws and unwise decisions. Pursuing a policy of airport expansion whilst continuing to talk about environmental concern is one illustration of inconsistent government. I personally appreciate the actions of the Climate 9 (and of Plane Stupid) as they challenge all of us – governments and law makers included – to face up to the reality that our actions need to live up to our rhetoric.’
Rev Dr Martin Johnstone.

“Air travel is increasing and it concerns me our governments and many people (including some who are otherwise environmentally aware) can still justify the use of planes, especially domestic flights, for convenience, business and leisure in the face of the real danger of damaging climate change. Until planes can fly using magic green fairy dust (which would be wonderful) air travel needs to be substantially reduced. Information, petitions and lobbying do not seem to be bringing home the message. I therefore support the climate 9 for taking the sort of necessary direct action which I have not yet been brave enough to do.”
Jane Palmer

“Convicting any of the Climate9 would be like convicting someone in your neighbourhood Watch from stopping someone trying to break into your house, except that climate change will affect everybody’s ‘house’. These guys should be hailed as heroes not put on trial.”
Bruce Heagerty

“It is totally shocking to witness nine people facing a court case just because they had enough courage to defend the global ecosystem from the destructive expansion of aviation. Climate Nine are brave individuals standing up for their belief in protecting the environment. There must be something wrong with this world if the governments can legally send troops to war and invest in people’s mass death, meanwhile prosecuting others for drawing public attention to the issue of global climate change.”
Kathryn Windram, Julia Maciejczak and Thomas Dalton, University Students, People and Planet.

‘I just wanted to say I fully support your action and I wish you every success in the court case. You are standing up in a way that really counts and I deeply respect you for putting yourselves on the line for our collective future. I feel a loss for your team in this court case would be a perversion of justice and morality.‘
Oliver Cooper

‘Climate9 are not domestic terrorists but individuals with major concerns for the future of the planet.  Expansion at airports is happening throughout the UK.  All data shows clearly that emissions from increased flights will result in targets not being met under the 2008 Climate Change Act.‘
Hilary Burn, Nr Bristol

“The temporary airport closures across Europe in April and May 2010 highlight that for reasons of safety it is sometimes necessary to stop flights, even in the face of protests by airlines. The climate 9 have simply acted with this same responsible attitude. Putting safety before commercial pressure is not a crime.”
Rae Bradford

“One of the big issues of the 21st century is undoubtedly that of climate change. Not only its implications for human existence but also for global justice. I support the work of those engaged in bringing light to shine on this matter of paramount importance for our future. I offer my solidarity to the Climate 9 defence committee in their struggle for justice.”

Linton Kwesi Johnson. Dub poet, musician

“I am newly arrived in Nepal as a VSO volunteer, and immediately can see that climate change is here now, affecting the poorest people in the poorest countries in ways that I was protected from in the UK. We need to change, and I really appreciate the direct action by the Climate 9 to bring these facts home. Thank you for standing up on behalf of people who have no voice, and on my behalf.” Debbie, family friend of Kate Mackay

“How limited the vision of an institution or a government that can see only as far as the next quarter’s FTSE report or the next election cycle. Civilisation needs the wisdom of statesmen and women who will consider the broad sweep of history, and who will be humble enough to realize that the future of the planet depends on limiting our use of resources.”  Rev Paul K. Chapman, The Employment Project, New York, NY.

“Kate I am so proud of what you and everyone  are doing. You have guts!You are standing up to defend our planet in the only way anyone will start to take this seriously.We love and support you all the way,”

Helen and Emma, family of Kate Mackay.

“J’approuve cette action non violente contre la maffia des aéroports et des compagnies aériennes. Toute ma solidarité”
Xavier Rigaut Rome (Italy)

“Evil flourishes when good people do nothing; There is no point in being aware of climate change, if we do nothing to stop it. Rather than criminalise your principled activities, your direct action should be congratulated. The judge should understand that it is not 9 individuals in the dock, but the public opinion of 6 billion people around the globe; you are not the accused, but the accusers. It is important that the court is overflowing with your supporters when you appear. ”
The Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign

“Climate change remains the biggest global threat we face – both environmentally and socially. Yet we still do not have any new international agreement to reduce emissions or a meaningful plan of action at a national level. The Climate9 refuse to stand by and ignore climate change so have decided to take on the responsibility that others are shirking. I applaud their campaign and hope others will be inspired to speak out and hold those damaging our environment to account.”
Caroline Lucas, Green party MP for Brighton Pavillion.

“Climate change is an unfolding public health catastrophe which is already killing people and damaging the health of populations around the world.  Aviation makes a significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.  Dan Glass and his colleagues are public health advocates who deserve our support.”
Jenny Griffiths, Climate and Health Council.

“It is important to support people who are proactive in taking action to prevent climate change. Climate9 are acting selflessly, on behalf of the earth and for future generations; taking it upon themselves to make a statement for people worldwide whose cries have been ignored. They have joined a group of committed selfless people the world over, who are ready to see a change in human behaviour on earth. In taking action to address climate change, they have put themselves on the line completely.”
Gathuru Mburu Director of the Institute of Culture and Ecology (ICE) Kenya

“The time for talk is long over – the time has come for action. I support the Climate 9 action because they drew attention to climate change here, in Scotland, as well as around the world. People have to realise that flying will become economically untenable and we must prepare for the inevitable to avoid future shocks. Despite all the talk about tackling climate change, we are not actually preparing for a future when energy is expensive and limited. That future is not far away – we cannot prepare too soon.”
Mandy Meikle, Peak energy campaigner

“The threat of global warming justifies breaking the law”
Put the corporate criminals in the dock and let the climate9 get back to helping the rest of us stopping the worst effects of climate disruption!
Andrew Rubens

“CLIMATE DEFENCE IS NOT AN OFFENCE – Solidarity with the Climate 9”
Eliana Baia, Michele Colombraro, Francesco Colombraro – CIAMPINO, Italy.

“The world needs dedicated and selfless people like the Climate 9! They are not criminals, but people who have the foresight to make a stand for the future of our species. Their actions, and indeed this trial, force us to open our eyes and realise that we cannot blindly carry on like this - mindlessly expanding everything. Something has got to change in our lifestyles - drastically and urgently - if indeed, we want our species to survive.”
Ellie Harrison, Glasgow

“Aviation is a major contributor to climate warming, which in turn threatens our whole planet. Climate9 deserve support in their essentially legal actions to block unnecessary airport expansion.”Professor Grigor McClelland, CBE, Hon DCL, former businessman and academic

“In in age when political parties have almost identical domestic and foreign policies beholden to a rapacious ‘market’, direct action is the one principled course left to democrats. History celebrates many activists like the Climate9, who deserve all our support.”       John Pilger, Journalist and Documentary film maker

“All UK and Scottish transport policies and proposals must contribute to reducing carbon pollution, including those related to aviation and road traffic.  More must be done to reduce the need to travel, including by air, and to promote more sustainable travel options, particularly walking, cycling and public transport.  Simply increasing road and air infrastructure to meet increased demand is no longer an acceptable option in the face of the necessity of averting dangerous climate change.”

John Mayhew, Director, Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland

“Peaceful protest has always been a citizens way of highlighting injustice. As a parent and grandparent, I have a vested interest in the future of this planet to sustain my children’s children and beyond. Rather than using tax payers money to prosecute these people, the money would be better spent bringing company polluters to the fore for their shameful disregard for the planet that sustains us.“ Karla Harris, postgraduate student

“In the face of continuing government inability/ refusal to seriously address the role and destructive impact of aviation expansion on world climate, people have no choice but to think of and carry out creative methods of direct action to get the message across and demand change. Well done Climate 9. You speak for many and we are proud of your actions and support you in your campaign. Good luck and here’s to a successful outcome and the hope that justice and common sense, since in no way are you criminals, will prevail.” Kath Jackson, Librarian, family friend of Kate Mackay

“On behalf of Crisis Forum I would like to salute the sanity, bravery and prescience of the Climate 9. The courts should respond in equal measure.” Dr Mark Levene – Crisis Forum (‘The Forum for the Study of Crisis in the 21st Century’)

“How does the general public engage in rational dialogue with a Government and Legal System which appear to only listen to and support big business flaunting money? The ‘Climate9′ trial is clear, concise, and visible proof of the yawning chasm that lies between the Government and real, caring people.” Dr Bruce Vickery

“Aviation represents a significant threat to current and future generations, climate change should be radically altering our lifestyles, we should be transforming our behaviour to protect the lives of our children and grandchildren. Society needs to be confronted with the true cost of air travel, we need to stop the subsidies to the aviation industry, and continue to oppose the expansion of airports and runways.” Susan Nash | Vice President Society & Citizenship, National Executive Council, National Union of Students.

“I wish to express my support for the actions taken by my dad William Boggia on 3rd March 2009, the purpose of which was to highlight the impact of the aviation industry on the earths climate and its negative effects. It is my belief that as a country, it is not just the responsibility of the government but also the responsibility of the common people to bring about social change, appropriate to the challenges of that generation. It appears to me that the greatest challenge to our generation is climate change. ‘When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty’ ” Mr Benjamin Shing Kuen Boggia,

“When Stephen Hester, CEO of RBS was asked at their AGM in Edinburgh April 2010 why he invested millions of taxpayers money into environmentally destructive projects, his response was “it is not a crime!”
If the banks won’t listen, and our governments won’t listen then it is time for the people to stand up and be heard.  The crime here is not the conscience of the people, it is those who are ignoring the truth of the destruction that airport expansion brings with it.  I salute the Climate 9 for standing up for what can only be right, to protect the planet against the march of ecocide.” Polly Higgins, Barrister, International Law

“I come from a country where I have witnessed a democracy be born and emerge around me; I am now proudly part of that democratic process. A democracy is about allowing voices to be heard through providing transparent platforms and mechanism to allow even the minority to have its say. So I think the action of these 9 individuals is commendable, it is non violent, and it stands up for what they believe in. As all of us, they should be allowed to have their say; particularly at a time when the greatest threats to the earth, not just human beings, is largely a man made creation called Climate Change.” Andrew Muir- Director of the Wilderness Foundation of South Africa and Chairman of the Climate Action Partnership for South Africa

“It is hoped the judge presiding over this case allows common sense to prevail and realize the good intentions of the stance of the climate 9. Their actions, in defense of a better world and humanity need to be applauded and rewarded, not condemned.” Colleen Pickthall, Australia

“I support the Climate 9.  We engage in an unnecessary amount of personal air travel in this country and, indeed, in all first world countries.  Not only are air-craft one of the main polluters of our atmosphere, they are largely unnecessary.  We do not need to shuttle businessmen back and forth across the world.  Certainly, in the past, before effective super-fast electronic communication, direct representation was more important but now we should consider the holistic damage caused by unregulated air travel over the benefits, which are largely minor and self-serving.“  Michael Innes, No2ID

“Tilly and Jonathan came to my college to speak with our 4th year aircraft engineering students and staff.  The discussions were lively, constructive and informative and I personally was very impressed by their force of argument. Their courage and commitment are obvious by their actions, and we all have to hope that Scottish justice will consider not only what happened but how and why it was done.” Robert Kay, lecturer on the BEng Aircraft Engineering course at University of Perth.

“We fully support the Climate 9 in their campaign on governments’ contradictory policy on climate change and airport expansion.  In these critical times when we need to act fast to prevent catastrophic climate change, we have to challenge our governments’ policy and judicial system when it makes decisions which will be destructive to the environment.
The climate nine are a model and an inspiration in this environmental struggle.” German environmental activist group Gegenstrom Berlin

“I see the threat of Climate Change as unprecedented in human history, and extremely grave.I think aviation is a significant contributor to this threat, and believe there is an urgent need to reduce its use in human and freight transport. The official fora convened by states to address this, such as the December 2009 meeting in Copenhagen, have left those people throughout the world who see the danger and care about averting it in despair. The impotence and timidity of states is appalling.
As with almost all important social changes, it is up to non-violent people’s action to stir states to act. Climate 9 are to be congratulated. “  Joanna Santa Barbara , physician, member of OraTaiao (Climate and Health) in New Zealand, and on the faculties of both McMater University in Canada and University of Otago in New Zealand.

“I support your actions wholeheartedly, and believe that civil disobedience will need to be at the heart of our movements for  climate justice if we are to have a hope of averting climate  catastrophe and building a sustainable, just future. “  Mark Brown, Network for Social Change, (individual capacity)

“Those who oppose aviation expansion are trying protect people and the environment. I totally support their non-violent direct action and I absolutely believe they should not in any way suffer for it. If our laws result in brave people like these being sent to prison, then justice has failed. The laws are wrong, not the people.”   Jan Haley, 8 Bellingham Court, Norwich.
‘We support all those who also are fighting in different circumstances/conditions against weather change as it has already felt by us who are facing it. …..I think rising sea levels is quite a serious thing. We should be worry about……’ Sailabala Malla, Okilapala, Odisha (an area flooded by the effects of climate change)

Governments and corporations have shown us time and time again that their intrinsic need to put profit before people means they can never be trusted to stop runaway climate change. It is therefore up to individuals, like the Climate 9, to take collective direct action in order to preserve the future of our planet.

The Camp for Climate Action created a storm in 2007 when we held a week long action camp at Heathrow Airport pointing to the absurdity of the proposed third runway. That battle has now been won, but as the Climate 9 have demonstrated through their actions at Aberdeen Airport, the fight against greed-driven plans for airport expansion across the UK is far from over.

We support them and hope they will inspire many others. Come to this year’s Camp for Climate Action summer event in Edinburgh between the 21th-24th August to learn, skill up, and take this sort of incredible action.
-The Camp for Climate Action

These brave people have done what so many of us know we should do, if we had the courage of our convictions.  The planet’s atmosphere is being damaged, and if we continue to emit as much CO2 as we do now, let alone more, we are putting the earth and most life on it at risk. There is a dramatic urgency about the problem.  Politely writing letters, arguing in the media, lobbying politicians and all the other gentle, persuasive techniques appear to have no effect in stopping our increasing emissions.  So taking direct action, in this case invading a runway (causing no physical harm to anyone) becomes unavoidable to get people to sit up and listen. The Climate9 have put themselves, their liberty and their quality of life seriously at risk for a greater good, and for the good of all of us.  They have not committed a crime worthy of the name. The crime is to ignore the massive issue that their actions drew attention to.  Good luck to the Climate9 and thank you for what you have done on behalf of the world’s people and for life on earth.

Sarah Clayton, AirportWatch coordinator

I have been training up young people in organic food production for the last 25 years on my organic smallholding near Glasgow, and noticing the deterioration in our local climate (extreme weather systems) and insect life (no bees = no pollination = no plant life). What can our concerned responsible young people do to try to protect their world against the depredations of greed and vested interest? Tilly Gifford works for me. I support her action as a non-violent democratic attempt to draw attention to our increasing plight.

Echo Mackenzie,

EPO growers, Dumbartonshire

In these critical times when we need to act fast to prevent catastrophic climate change, we have to challenge our governments’ policy and judicial system when it makes decisions which will be destructive to the environment. The climate9 are a model and an inspiration in this environmental struggle.

Sue King-Smith

‘It is vital that messages about limiting pollution and further carbon emissions get through and result in effective actions to protect the future of the planet.  Sometimes the way to achieve this involves activities which conflict with the letter of the law.  Beyond any official criticism about the methods employed, judgement of whether or what penalties should result must be balanced against the serious and concerned intentions of people who are only reflecting what the majority of the public are thinking.’
Howard Field, hospitality sector business advisor, and relative of member of climate9 group

They(Climat9) have done a terrific job in drawing attention to stupidity of expanding Aberdeen, and other Scottish airports. How can Scotland’s commendably ambitious CO2 reduction target possibly be met if air travel continues to grow? Life for the poor in the majority world will be made even more precarious if Scotland goes ahead with airport expansion. I am beginning to believe that I might do more for people’s health if I quit my job as a GP, and became a full time environmental campaigner.
Very Best Wishes, Dr. Guy Johnson

Thanks for all you, the climate9, have done!  I pray that the court will see the big picture of justice and the public good.

Andy Neal

“It is vital that those of us in the rich North take action to ensure that our way of life does not continue to have devastating effects on the lives and livelihoods of the poorest people in the South.

I am an earth citizen and I warmly thank you for taking direct action on behalf of humanity and the many other wonderful creatures we share our planet with. I admire your willingness to make personal sacrifices to take a stand against the vested interests that think climate change is something for other people to deal with. This world needs more people like you! If this becomes a movement, those in power must listen.

Melanie Strickland

“I  have met several of the accused and heard them speak on a number of occasions. My friends who have met them and I know that they are fine people who should be applauded, not dragged through the courts. They have highlighted with humour the threat of aviation and the inaction of those who are supposed to be our representatives. They also speak eloquently on the dangers of climate change.

Most politicians don’t listen to well written reports, letters in the papers or people who do stunts in the town square. They listen to the rustle of £100 notes, something which is all too clear from several projects they have approved around Aberdeen. Follow the money remains good advice.

No matter what happens in the trial the accused will always be welcomed by me. We need more of these heroes. They would be horrified to be described using that word, but it is the right one. We need more people like the nine and fewer of the agents of big business who have put them on trial. ”
David Hansen, Scotland

“As someone who has been a vehement objector to Donald Trump’s contribution to environmental destruction, I applaud your actions. You have my full support during this trial, and hope that any publicity generated by it will serve to highlight the urgency of tackling global warming.” Carolyn Taylor

“In an age when many would have us believe that altruism and idealism are no longer possible, the protesters of Plane Stupid and the Climate 9  remind us of what is good and true and worth fighting for in the human spirit. It takes courage and real conviction to risk ones freedom for the sake of important principles, and real self discipline to protest peacefully and responsibly.The arguments put forward by the Climate 9 are eloquent and stark.  Even those who cannot accept civil disobedience as a tactic must be moved by their honest statements of intent- to actually stop aviation emissions for a short time, to actually contribute a small gesture towards the reparations that are owed the earth and those who are the first to suffer the consequences of industrialized society’s polluting ways, and the last to benefit from them.
We hope that good sense prevails in the courts, and that the message of the Climate 9 is heard far and wide so that small groups of individuals no longer have to risk criminalisation in order to save us from ourselves.”
Bon courage!”
Ranjana Thapalyal and Paul Hyland, Glasgow.

“They say property is nine tenths of the law, well the planet is 100 per cent of property—so to prosecute people for protecting the planet is surely negating the very principles of our legal system. I fully support what the Climate Nine have done, and feel any prosecution would be a travesty of justice. Good luck to you all.”
Peter Clubb

“As a mother i 100% support climate9, plane stupid and any individual who takes it upon then selves to fight for a better world! We all go around thinking what we do now will have no affect on the future and this is reinforced by our own government who we put in power! in my eyes the impact we have on this world is horrendous and we all need to start to take responsibility for our actions.

I have only been on one plane in my life i am now 30 i have hitched all over England or i get a train i have no need for planes, i am not a selfish person. i believe if we all shared just that little bit more we could cut down on emissions hugely also if governments stopped dragging their heels and did something the rest of the world might follow suit, you never know! positive mental attitude and action of any kind, can go a long way! good luck and my life force is with you all” felicity bell