The climate is changing

9 June 2005

Friends of the Earth Cymru toured Wales with a green energy trailer from the 11th to the 16th July to promote the "Big Ask" climate change campaign. People wrote to their MPs to support action on climate change.

You can do the same by taking action here

The tour visited places already affected by climate change, and places where people are trying to make a difference.

11 July: Rhyl

Action on climate change experienced a boost on Monday 11th July in Rhyl. The green energy trailer roadshow was on Rhyl High Street for the first day to raise awareness of climate change. Locals were keen to write to their MPs to take action on climate change. They were also able to see renewable energy in action. The green energy trailer's solar panel and wind turbine were working to power an audio visual display and make cups of tea."

Green energy trailer visits Rhyl

12 July: Bangor

Bangor High Street welcomed the green energy roadshow on Tuesday 12th July. Views of Snowdon, Wales' iconic mountain, were clearly visible from the top of town. Snowdon may soon have no snow in winter according to researchers at the University of Bangor. Climate Change could also cause the extinction of the Snowdon Lily. Locals were supportive of action on climate change and keen to find out more about micro-renewables for their own houses.

Questions on climate change on the blackboard in Bangor

13 July: Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth hosted the third day of the green energy roadshow on Wednesday 13th July. Nearby Cefn Croes is latest wind farm to be opened in Wales, generating energy for thousands of local homes and contributing funding to the local community. Renewable energy technologies, and the Welsh Assembly governments plans for more schemes in the next few years, were of great interest to local people.

Students enjoy filling the car with vegetable oil

14 July: St David's

St David's, the smallest city in the UK wants to become "carbon neutral". Local people behind the scheme visited the green energy roadshow on Thursday 14th July in St David's. Locals and tourists were very supportive of the campaign on climate change to reduce CO2 emissions. Pembrokeshire has endured the terrible Sea Empress oil spill in 1996 and is also at the centre of debate about the import of Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) to meet energy demands.

People enjoy the display in St Davids

15 July: Swansea

Opencast coal mining still scars the Swansea valleys, while out in Swansea Bay a new wind farm will soon be built. Swansea marina already boasts a wind turbine. There are also hopes for the community Awel Aman Tawe windfarm in the Amman Valley. Swansea could also become the home of the first tidal lagoon in the UK - a cutting edge technology to harness tidal power. Locals signed postcards to their MPs to take action on climate change, and were interested in the new renewable energy schemes in and around Swansea. 

16 July: Newport

Wales' newest city, Newport is being threatened by ever increasing traffic problems. The proposed 'M4 Relief Road' would damage important wildlife sites and increase car numbers, pollution and emissions of greenhouse gases. The green energy roadshow highlighted these issues on Saturday 16th July in Newport. Locals were supportive of more action on climate change.

The green energy roadshow in Newport

The climate is changing - it's time to ask questions

The Big Ask campaign is about tackling the biggest question the world faces - how to do more about climate change.

It's calling on the Government to bring in a new law which will tackle climate change by setting legally bindings target to cut carbon dioxide emissions by three per cent every year.

A new NOP survey reveals that seventy-six per cent of people in Wales believe the Government is not doing enough about climate change.

Friends of the Earth Cymru Director Julian Rosser commented:

"The Big Ask campaign aims to make the Government legally responsible for tackling climate change. We want a new law requiring minister to cut pollution by three per cent a year. But we also need the public to help by asking the Government why it isn't acting on global warming, and asking their MPs to back the climate change bill."

Helping to create greater awareness about climate change

Children featured in the The Big Ask campaign cinema advert from the Mark Jermin Stage School in Swansea, May 2005

Swansea primary schoolchildren were filmed for a UK-wide cinema advert as part of The Big Ask climate change campaign.

Take action

You can make a difference now by taking action:

• Ask your MP to support the climate change bill
• Join us on our summer road show, from the 11th until the 16th of July. For more information write to [email protected]