Climate Change Parade - 24 Oct 09

Bath & B&NES Citizens Unite and Call for Lower levels of Carbon Emissions

On Saturday 24th October, 500 citizens of Bath joined world-concerned citizens from 181 different countries taking part in over 5200 events, all calling for strong action and bold leadership on the climate crisis. This was the most widespread day of environmental action in the Planet's history!

The parade was part of the 350 Campaign (www.350.org) which is focused on the number 350, as in parts per million - the 'safe level' of CO2 in our atmosphere identified by scientists. We currently have 390 parts per million.

The parade from Royal Crescent to Parade Gardens was organised by Afrel Mira of Transition Bath, and led By MP Don Foster who spoke alongside Janine Woodward, Leader of Bath OXFAM volunteers. Other participants represented Green Peace, Christian Aid, Friends of the Earth, Green Party, Women's Institute and Quakers for Peace. From different backgrounds, all were united for the future of Humankind as the planet adjusts to how humans currently inhabit and use the Earth, and its resources.

Don Foster, MP for Bath:

"We are here as part of a worldwide day of action demanding change. The reality that we don't see is actually frightening; over 300, 000 deaths each year attributable to climate change already. 325 million people are already affected and this is costing world citizens £124 billion in various ways. In a very short period as many as 4 billion people will be affected in some way... each of us must do out bit, perhaps by joining the 10:10 campaign [www.1010uk.org] which anyone can sign up to; just decide to reduce your own carbon output by 10% by the end of 2010... We demand that leaders of all countries take this issue really seriously".

Janine Woodward explained how Oxfam and other aid agencies direct part of their budget to assist those already experiencing drought in Africa, or rising water levels such as in Bangladesh. However the numbers who will soon be affected by the changes in climate - brought on primarily by human activity - are way in excess of the number that can be helped by aid agencies. So changes must be made now, and led by the world leaders meeting in five weeks in Copenhagen.

Read on for some quotes by those that took part...

"Yes, I believe it. What can I do? Maybe I can cycle to work - that would be good for me and good for the planet." (A policewoman accompanying the march)

"I think most people are sympathetic to the campaign, and believe we must do something. So it is time for world leaders to ensure we all make changes." (Mary, a walker, grandmother and university lecturer)

"It was so cool today: children, grandparents - all ages! ... Yes, deinitely climate change is real and it is man made. We can each do something." (Patrick, a trainee teacher)

"I am here because of a very inspiring teacher 39 years ago. She made me realise that I am a world citizen... Today is a contribution to that. If we can think in terms of 'us / together' instead of 'them' then things will begin to change." (Peggy)

"I want people in the future to enjoy the planet and to ensure the planet it taken care of in a sustainable way. As an individual you have to be active and take it seriously." (Bath University environmental engineering student)

"I go skiing. I see the difference - the glaciers are shrinking. Up in the mountains huts that had water a few years ago no longer have water. They ferry it up by helicopter! That's crazy!" (An off duty policeman)

See 15000+ photos of 350 Campaign events from around the world on Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/350org/sets