Hundreds join climate events
HUNDREDS of people took action across the Plymouth area to raise awareness of climate change.
As 350 people linked arms across the Tamar bridge representing Saltash Environmental Action, hundreds of others wound their way from the Civic Centre Piazza to the Hoe as part of the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition in the South West rally.
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ECO WARRIORS: Bob Austin, Jackie Austin and Wendy Hudson head the link across the Tamar, top; fellow protesters, above
The spectacular human chain over the River Tamar on Saturday came on 350 Day, a series of coordinated symbolic actions to draw attention to the latest climate change science.
Organiser Roger Creagh-Osbourne said: "The latest science is saying very clearly that the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere needs to be reduced to 350 parts per million. It currently stands around 390. Saltash Environmental Action was formed two years ago to take practical local steps to raise awareness and promote behavioural change around environmental matters. We started with a Ban the Plastic bag campaign immediately after Modbury's success on that front."
In the city centre, people travelled from across the region to join the rally called The Wave, to raise awareness of the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December. With many pounding drums, sporting blue face paint and banners decorated with blue hand prints, CAFOD, Christian Aid and Friends of the Earth stood shoulder to shoulder with Operation Noah, Oxfam, Tearfund and the SW TUC's local representatives alongside local Churches.
TUC assistant secretary Jeremy Guise said he thought it was a good turn-out. He added: "We're here to support Blue Wave to highlight the urgency of climate change. We need to do something about it.
"We hope lots of people will also turn up to the CND demonstrations next Saturday."
Environmental Science student, Alex Jack, 23, from Greenbank said that the demonstration had attracted people from all walks of life, and included children, mums and dads, students, young professionals and older people.
He said: "I know people who have left the city but returned for this march. It shows how many are concerned and motivated by the issues we are trying to push here."
Demonstrations for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, protesting against proposals to cut up nuclear submarines in Plymouth will take place at Plymouth Guildhall, on Saturday at noon.
Comment – Page 10
7 Comments
by Benny Factor, Gaia
Monday, October 26 2009, 6:56PM
“Unfortunately for these brainwashed fearmongers, the thermogeddon they predict is failing to materialise. Atmospheric CO2 rises relentless, meaning health wealth and happiness to people worldwide who benefit from a cheap energy supply. Meanwhile the global temperature stubbornly refuses to rise.”
by happy hippie, plymouth
Monday, October 26 2009, 5:55PM
“Resident from Ham - what do you mean the real polluters???? People in countries like this need help from us in the richer countries so that they do not have to be the real polluters! They want a better standard of living and who are we to stop them when we have been pollutiong our environment with CO2 since the industrailisation! We as the UK need to set an example to these developing countries not just stand back and let them make the same mistakes as us.
Also for you information Boris there were many ordinary people and families at the rally - not just bearded hippies! Ordinary people like me and you that are worried about how climate change is going to affect thier children and grandchildren and those in poor countries have contributed the least but are paying a heavier price for our emmisions!
And I am not a socialist - thanks.”
by Resident,Ham, Plymouth
Monday, October 26 2009, 5:10PM
“The socialist idea of redistribution of wealth is brilliant. The poor workers are made to redistribute their wealth to champagne socialist MP's who need as much expenses as they can steal”
by Matthew, Plymouth
Monday, October 26 2009, 12:31PM
“When are people going to realise that the global warming movement headed by Al Gore is rooted in the idea of socialism and the redistribution of wealth?? God help us and those parasitic politicians if we sign away our freedom in the Copenhagen Treaty.”
by Mick, Barbican
Monday, October 26 2009, 12:00PM
“Quote- "people travelled from across the region to join the rally"
In their smelly cars?”
by Boris Napper, Eddystone Lighthouse
Monday, October 26 2009, 11:06AM
“The poor misguided souls.
It's not global warming - it's global taxation. These frizzy-haired beardies should brush up on their basic physics and chemistry knowledge.
In the 17th century we had taxation on windows. Now we have one on naivety.”
by Resident,Ham, Plymouth
Monday, October 26 2009, 10:57AM
“I suggest they go tell it to the real polluters - India, China and the USA. Personally i'm sick of hearing about how our tiny island must do something about it. We produce about 2% of carbon emissions so stop trying to make the British people feel guilty.”