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 Editorials | Environmental | December 2005 
Activists Gather for Climate Change Marches
 Associated Press
| | People carry signs during a protest against global warming in Montreal Saturday, Dec.3, 2005. The demonstration coincided with the 10-day UN Climate Change Conference underway in Montreal, where officials are reviewing and updating the Kyoto Protocol on lowering greenhouse gas emissions. (AP Photo/Ian Barrett, CP) |
The Arctic Inuit who are losing their ice caps and activists demanding urgent action on global warming were among thousands taking to the streets in cities around the world Saturday to raise awareness of climate change.
The demonstrations coincided with the 10-day UN Climate Change Conference under way in Montreal to review and update the Kyoto Protocol, the global accord that binds the top 35 industrialized nations to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
A march in downtown Montreal was to be the largest of the demonstrations expected in 32 countries, including Japan, Germany, France, Bangladesh, Brazil, Australia and South Africa.
In London, protesters passed Downing Street, home of Prime Minister Tony Blair, where they handed in a letter demanding that the government reaffirm its commitment to Kyoto with legally binding targets on emissions reductions.
In Washington, drivers of hybrid cars planned to rally around the White House. In New Orleans, residents intend to hold a "Save New Orleans, Stop Global Warming" party in the French Quarter. Other US events were being held from Boston to Los Angeles.
In Montreal, activists promised a family friendly atmosphere with hot air balloons, theatrical and music acts as they hit the streets in numbers they hope will top 15,000.
"We're worried about climate change, about ways of life in the Canadian Arctic disappearing," said Sarah Binder of Montreal's Urban Ecology Center.
Five environmental groups, including Greenpeace and the Climate Crisis Coalition, delivered a petition signed by 600,000 Americans to the US Consulate in Montreal urging the Bush administration and the US Congress to help slow global warming.
About 100 protesters gathered outside in freezing temperatures to listen to speeches.
"We are here representing the people of the United States who want action to be taken," said Ted Glick of the Climate Crises Coalition, who accused the US delegation of trying to obstruct progress at the conference.
US President George W. Bush has been widely criticized for pulling out of the Kyoto Treaty, instead calling for an 18 percent reduction in the US growth rate of greenhouse gases by 2012 and committing US$5 billion (euro4.27 billion) a year to global warming science and technology.
The United States - which spews out nearly 25 percent of the world's carbon emissions - was the target of demonstrations.
"If he (Bush) thinks (Hurricane) Katrina was bad, there are a lot worse hurricanes on their way if he doesn't change his policy," Britain's former Environment Minister Michael Meacher told demonstrators outside the US embassy in London.
Organizers said 10,000 people participated in the march from Lincoln's Inn in central London to the US Embassy. Police said about 4,300 took part.
Chanting and blowing whistles, the marchers denounced Blair and Bush for their perceived environmental failings. Some held banners depicting Bush as "Wanted for crimes against the planet" and advising "Ditch Blair, not Kyoto."
Health experts at the UN conference said Friday that global warming is responsible for as many as 150,000 deaths annually around the world.
Canadian Inuit of the isolated Arctic north have traveled to Montreal to join the protest. Indian leader Jose Kusugak told The Associated Press that he brought along hunters, trappers and elders to reassure them that people from the south were not indifferent to their plight.
"It was important to show there are a lot of people in the world who care," he said.
Montreal Centerpiece of Worldwide Global Warming Protests
Canadian Press
Montreal - Thousands of people ignored frigid temperatures to lead a worldwide day of protest against global warming.
The protest began at two separate locations, with the crowds converging to continue their march downtown to hear various speakers.
The demonstration coincided with the 10-day UN Climate Change Conference underway in Montreal, where officials are reviewing and updating the Kyoto Protocol on lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Quebec Environment Minister Thomas Muclair was among those at the head of the parade.
"I am here today to show the public that we (the government) are with them."
On average, Quebecers generate only half the greenhouse gas levels that other Canadians produce, Muclair said.
He said it was "no accident" he was leading the demonstration, following the failure of the province and Ottawa to reach a deal to reduce greenhouse gases that had been expected to be signed at the conference.
Protesters wore colorful costumes and carried protest signs that ranged from whimsical to serious.
One read: "Stop Worrying About Your Money - Think About Our Planet."
The march in Montreal was to be the largest of the demonstrations expected in 32 countries, including Japan, Germany, France, Bangladesh, Brazil, Australia and South Africa.
In London, protesters passed 10 Downing Street, home of Prime Minister Tony Blair, where they presented a letter demanding that the government reaffirm its commitment to Kyoto.
In Washington, drivers of hybrid cars planned to rally around the White House. In hurricane-ravaged New Orleans, residents intend to hold a "Save New Orleans, Stop Global Warming" party in the French Quarter. Other US events were being held from Boston to Los Angeles.
Five environmental groups, including Greenpeace and the Climate Crisis Coalition, delivered a petition signed by 600,000 Americans to the US Consulate in Montreal urging the Bush administration and the US Congress to help slow global warming.
"We are here representing the people of the United States who want action to be taken," said Ted Glick of the Climate Crises Coalition.
In Montreal, organizers said they expected more than 15,000 protesters to hit the streets.
"I hope we're saying to Canada, especially, that we have to stick by the Kyoto accord because we're not doing a good job," said Marilyn Gillis, a retired 63-year-old Montreal teacher. |
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