PUSHCOP29PUSHCLIMATEJUSTICE WALK DAY5

PUSHCOP29 PUSH CLIMATE JUSTICE: DAY 5

Walk Along the River Cam to Ely

My left foot, though not fully recovered, was functional enough to carry me forward. Rising early, I centered myself through intense breathing and stretching exercises, summoning the resolve needed for the day. Water, a banana, an apple, and my trusted resin bun from the Coop—all safely zipped inside my backpack.

As I prepared to step out, a headline from The Guardian caught my eye:

"Poorer nations need $1tn a year by 2030 in climate finance, top economists find."

The article painted a grim picture of climate finance falling short, leaving vulnerable nations grappling with devastating burdens. These words echoed the stories of people I've met on this long journey—Shorbanu from Bangladesh, Constance from Uganda, Varalakshmi from India, Kana weaver Ramesh, and Christine Zulu in Zambia. They endure unimaginable pain and struggle, yet they dream of a better life. Justice remains elusive, and their anguish fuels my steps.

As I powered through the streets of Cambridge, weaving past morning traffic and distracted crowds, the path narrowed but my determination grew sharper. From Jesus Green to the Cam riverbanks, the city gave way to the countryside, where graceful swans and ducks glided over still waters. The calm landscape was a stark contrast to the inner agitation I carried.

Cyclists zipped by with the occasional ring of their bells, while birdsong rose above the hum of distant roads. The lush greenery and pastoral scenery were dotted with grazing sheep, cows, and horses. Yet, as picturesque as it was, the smell of the water in places and the hidden scars of climate change haunted my walk.

I met Lucy, a Kenyan walker, who spoke of herders and farmers back home suffering under severe droughts. Captain Clipper, a wise and seasoned man, shared his blunt observations: “Poor countries need immediate help. The crisis is undeniable.” His hopes rested on political change, yet his words carried the same urgency I feel.

Adam, another passerby, stopped to ask how far Clayhithe was. When I returned the question—"Is climate changing?"—his answer was immediate: “Absolutely. It's November, and it's still warm!”

Each step pressed forward with a purpose, driven by thoughts of the people whose lives I’ve touched during this walk. For them, pain is normal. Thresholds do not exist. Their daily lives are punctuated by water scarcity, leaking roofs, and overburdened health systems.

After five hours and two brief stops, I returned with burning feet but a heart still alight with resolve. Back in warmth, with a vegetarian meal to comfort me, my thoughts refused to rest. How can we fight for justice in a world bent on a steroidal pursuit of economic growth at the cost of humanity?

We must reimagine. A well-being economy—a shared, sustainable vision—is not a fantasy but a necessity. At 1.5°C, the earth already boils, and the poorest pay the highest price. It is the cruelest paradox of our time. Loss and damage must go hand in hand with adaptation, but mitigation and "de-warming" cannot wait.

As the Cam flows, so must we. Relentless. Resolute. For justice cannot be delayed—it must rise now.