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An unusual protest against climate change took place in Cornwall today.

Dozens of protesters, including some dressed as ‘penitents’ and wearing sackcloth and ashes, gathered on Lemon Quay, Truro, at 1pm today (Saturday, July 20).

The demonstration, organised by the Helston branch of Extinction Rebellion, tackled the issue of climate change through the topic of fast fashion industry.

Fast fashion is the quick and inexpensive manufacture of designs based on the most recent trends.

Extinction Rebellion said it wanted to show the damage that the industry is causing and is the second biggest polluter after oil.

The procession was led by the Red Brigade, dressed in flowing red garments signifying the common blood human beings share with all species.

(Image: Charlotte Becquart)

They paraded through the city to inform members of the public of the climate emergency.

Protesters say their demands are: telling the truth, net zero emission by 2025 and setting up a democratic citizen’s assembly.

The leader of the protest said: “Climate change is real. Climate change is happening now and climate change is here. We are so proud of Cornwall Council that they were the first council in the country to declare a climate emergency and we will help them in any way we can to achieve their climate goals.

(Image: Charlotte Becquart)

“The challenge of climate change is so vast, with so many drivers, so we thought today we would highlight just one industry, the fashion industry.

“Because fast fashion kills. Approximately 7,000 litres of water are needed to produce just one pair of jeans. A single t-shirt takes 2,700 litres of water, the same amount the average person drinks in 900 days.

See our gallery below:

“So this washing line represents 15,900 litres of water and that’s the equivalent of one person’s drinking water for 13 years.

(Image: Charlotte Becquart)

“85% of plastic pollution in the ocean is due to microfibers from synthetic clothing. Textile production accounts for more greenhouse emissions than all flights and shipping combined with emission expected to rise by 60% by 2030.

“In the UK, £140m of clothing goes into landfill every year. Cheap disposable clothing is not sustainable.

(Image: Charlotte Becquart)

“We can’t go on like this. We are killing ourselves for a £3 t-shirt.

“Next Wednesday, on July 24, at 7pm, we have a talk at All Saints’ Church in Highertown explaining all about Extinction Rebellion, climate change and what we can do about it.”