Press release - July 16, 2009
MUMBAI, India — With Mumbai being listed amongst the mega cities most vulnerable to the threat of climate change, Greenpeace
launched a Climate Rescue Station at the Carter road promenade. The station, in the form of a huge Life-Boat is symbolic of the hope that every Mumbaikar thrives on, and over the period of this month, will be a platform for the citizens of Mumbai to call on the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh to act on climate change.
At the climate rescue station on Carter Road, Mumbai.
"Mumbai is amongst the cities most vulnerable to the impacts of
climate change. But Mumbai is known for its resilience, foresight
and fighting spirit. It is known to seize opportunities and this is
why we chose Mumbai to launch a national campaign to fight climate
change, by calling for an Energy Revolution that begins with a
Renewable Energy Law" said Vinuta Gopal, Greenpeace climate
campaigner.
Prominent citizens of Mumbai, celebrities, college students,
environmentalists all converged together at the sea front to lend
their support and encouragement. Director Mahesh Bhatt, Actors
Emraan Hashmi and Femina Miss India - Earth, Shriya Kishore were
among the many who were present at the Climate Rescue Station. The
evening concluded with a thrilling musical performance by the band
- "Zedde" who encouraged citizens to get involved as their city was
at risk.
"Climate impacts are going to get worse if we allow runaway
climate change. Climate change will cost us dear, both in social
and economic terms. While adapting to climate change through
increased disaster preparedness is important, we must also adopt
mitigation efforts to sharply reduce global greenhouse gas
emissions. Towards this end,
Greenpeace is pushing for a Renewable Energy Law that will
facilitate the expansion of RE and a reduced dependence on coal,
the main global warming culprit."
"The only way to save the city from climate catastrophe is to
call for policy action from the Government", said Vinuta Gopal
"Individuals doing their bit by adopting greener lifestyles is
great, but in the race to reduce GHG emissions, just this is not
going to make the drastic diversion from business as usual
possible", she added.
Greenpeace has so far mobilized more than 22000 citizens through
an online campaign to support for a Renewable Energy Law through
the site www.greenidol.in.
Contact information
For more Information and images:
In Mumbai
Vinuta Gopal, Climate and Energy Campaigner, Greenpeace India; +919845535418; 
Ankit Srivastava, Greenpeace Communications, +91 98671 68498; 
p>Notes to Editor
(1) India’s Monsoon Wager: Climate change and the Indian monsoon- http://www.greenpeace.org/india/press/reports/monsoon-wager