Feature story - 6 November, 2006
As politicians gather for the UN climate meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, people across the globe have been busy sending a clear message – we want decisive action on climate change not more hot air.
Sydney voters call for clean renewable energy during the 'walk against warming'.
Thousands of people joined the global day of climate action on
Nov 4 todemand decisive steps to combat the biggest threat to the
planet. Here'sa quick snapshot:
Australia
Huge crowds of more than 80,000 joined the 2006 Walk Against
Warmingaround Australia. From Melbourne to Maitland, Canberra to
Cairns, andeverywhere in between, voters with one voice urged the
Howardgovernment to take action against climate change. More
images from flickr.
UK
25,000 people packed into London's Trafalgar Square. We were
gatheredto make a call for action on climate change - everyone from
the Women'sInstitute to the rock band Razorlight. More images
from flickr.
US
Stop Global Warming message formed to issue a call to action
forFlorida congressional candidates to take immediate steps
todramatically reduce global warming pollution and protect Florida
fromclimate change.
Global protests
Protests
large and small took place across the globe from Sofia
toSydney. Activism has been brought new urgency by the release in
the UK of the
Stern Report,the review by British economist and government
advisor Sir NicholasStern which calls climate change "the greatest
and widest-rangingmarketfailure ever seen," and calculates the cost
of action now to reducecarbon as being a fraction of what the cost
of inaction will be.
"Future generations will not forgive us if we delay"
But will governments listen to the unified voices of the
people,scientists, and economists all over the world? According to
SteveSawyer, ourClimate & Energy Policy Advisor: "The
legal,moral, and political obligations of the rich countries are
clear: theymust dramatically reduce their emissions and at the same
time beprepared to provide massive support to help the poorest
countries adaptto the climate change that we are already committed
to."
Only the next two weeks will show if there is real global politicalwill to tackle climate change or if politicians again choose to talkinstead of act.
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