The Jennie Shearan story: a labour of love for grandson of formidable eco-campaigner

A NEW book which tells the story of one of the North East’s most formidable and inspiring environmental campaigners is now out.

Jennie Shearan’s fight against the long-demolished Monkton coke works proved a landmark victory for community activism which pushed the UK government to introduce the principle of ‘the polluter must pay‘ when it comes to cleaning up environmental damage.

This week – which would have seen her 100th birthday – Jennie’s grandson flew in to the North East from his US home to launch the book ‘Clean Air’, in front of an audience which included members of her proud family.

Climate Post was there to discuss with him questions such as ‘Do we campaign hardest when we fight on our own doorstep?’ and ‘If pollution was historically male-driven, is eco-activism a female response?’

To read about Jennie Shearan’s remarkable story, check out our original report on the Jennie Shearan story here.