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.

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.

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