Tens of thousands of people have marched through Sydney’s CBD for Walk Against Warming today to send a message to leaders in Copenhagen that they, their children and the planet cannot wait any longer for strong action on climate change.
Walk Against Warming is among the first community events around the world to be held as part of the International Day of Climate Action.
Max Phillips, Walk Against Warming organiser from the Nature Conservation Council of NSW, said the large numbers of families and people from all walks of life that took part today would help focus the minds of leaders at Copenhagen for immediate, bold action to reduce greenhouse pollution levels.
“Australians are saying the climate can’t wait while politicians make excuses. The broad cross-section of the community is out in force today calling on the Australian Government to be a leader not a straggler for a strong, fair and binding global agreement,” he said.
Linda Selvey, Greenpeace CEO said, "It is time to stop the politics and get on with the job of cutting emissions. World leaders in Copenhagen need to stand up to the big polluters and push for a binding global treaty. We are well past the time for platitudes and greenwash. Climate change is an emergency that will affect every Australian and we're running out time."
Louise Tarrant, LHMU National Secretary said,“Our response to the climate crisis must be bold, effective and equitable.
“A fairer society can only be built in a safe climate. This is why low income Australians need to see a strong global agreement and emissions reductions of 40% by 2020. To meet the climate change challenge we must have an ambitious green jobs agenda and fair financing for those who will be most affected,” she said.
Cara Bevington, Make Poverty History spokesperson said,” Climate change will affect us all, but millions of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people are already being hit hardest by climate change, despite being the least responsible for causing it.
“Those affected include Pacific Islanders losing their homes to rising sea levels, the poor of Bangladesh coping with more frequent floods and rural African communities dealing with devastating drought.
“At this key moment, the world needs a strong, legally-binding treaty that will ensure a safe climate. Hundreds of thousands of people will continue to pay with their lives if Kevin Rudd and other leaders fail to reach a fair, ambitious, and binding global agreement at Copenhagen,” she said.
