Media release – Extinction Rebellion, 6 December 2023
Giant puppet ‘Derek’ launches in Launceston – climate crisis warning
2 – 3pm Thursday 7th Dec. 2023
Puppet launch in Princes Square 2pm & footpath walk to Brisbane St. Mall around 3pm
Shoppers on Thursday afternoon will get their first look at a new monster roaming in central Launceston.
The giant puppet in the shape of an oil rig symbolises the fossil fuel industry.
“Fossil fuels drive climate change to new extremes,” says Helen Hutchinson, who is behind the puppet concept. “We are at crisis point. Do people realise that our government is still approving and subsidizing new fossil fuel projects, in the form of gas and coal? This is madness.”
The puppet, known as Derek, was designed by a local community artist and built in a series of workshops. It references oil well structures and the name Derek dates back to the 17th century when a gallows was named after an English hangman.
“Where is our sense of urgency?” says Dr. Hutchinson. “Extreme climate events cause the most damage and they are happening every day. We have already had days over 2 degrees C above our safe heating level. We are running out of time.”
Hobart note: As part of a national day of protest, Hobart, in another wake-up call to the Labor government will see a street protest from 12.30 to 1.30.
Featured image above: Derek under construction.
