Climate and environmental groups around Cornwall are questioning the logic behind holding the G7 summit during the midst of a global pandemic.

Groups such as Extinction Rebellion and the Helston Climate Action Group say they are unsure of why this would have been planned while still in the midst of a national lockdown.

Some groups are also discussing what direct action might be taken while also looking to reduce the impact of demonstrations on the local population when the summit takes place at Carbis Bay this June. 

Zoe Young, a member of Extinction Rebellion (XR) in Falmouth, said: "We [the nation] are flying people in from all over the world, are they going to have to quarantine? Probably not, so it's kind of one rule for them and another for the rest of us.

"XR are a totally and utterly community-based, non-violent, science-led movement and we need to be incredibly careful and think through how it is we're going to work without worsening problems around Covid-19.

"We're currently in the planning stages and are taking our time and being careful so that we can do this right."

Falmouth Packet: Environmental protests have died down in light of the recent Covid-19 pandemic, however, movements such as Extinction Rebellion and Youth Strike 4 Climate, have gathered serious momentum. Environmental protests have died down in light of the recent Covid-19 pandemic, however, movements such as Extinction Rebellion and Youth Strike 4 Climate, have gathered serious momentum.

Read Next:

Katharine Lewis, a member of the Helston Climate Action Group, said: "This event will take place when we are still transitioning out of a third lockdown.

"Hundreds of delegates flying into Cornwall under those circumstances may undermine Covid recovery efforts.

"Our young people managed to hold a Youth Climate Summit online, so why can't our world leaders do likewise? Once again, young people are leading the way on climate."

Derek Thomas, MP for St Ives, West Cornwall and The Isles of Scilly, is currently speaking to a number of climate groups about the issue and is hoping that more can be done for local people.

Derek said: "We've looked at how we could ensure that people in the area are aware of what's going on and also in a position to have their voice heard and to see if what's being proposed locally and in government will work for them.

"WI Climate Ambassador Pippa Stillwell and I have joined forces and been holding monthly meetings we're talking to climate action groups in Penzance, Helston and Pendene about how their plans are evolving and the kind of work their doing in their communities."

The G7 or Group of Seven, is an intergovernmental organization which consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, the world's seven largest 'advanced' economies.