March for the Climate4 December 2005
Today was a day of great excitement and a high point of the week. Saturday December 3rd was billed as an international day of protest. And we know of lots of events all round the world that have taken place in solidarity with Montreal's march for the climate.
After several days of wet weather, we were delighted when today dawned fine and dry - but bitterly cold, with ice frozen in the streets.
The events team started early - installing new panels from the Climate Mosaic on the stage for the rally.
We took our huge green banner which read 'Climate Change - the world can't wait' and our lovely white Friends of the Earth International banners along to the meeting place.
The banners fluttered beautifully in the strong gusting wind.
Thousands turn out
We thought it looked like a good turn out given the weather. But after a short wait, the march set off and swelled into thousands. By the time the two marches had converged into one, we stretched as far as the eye could see in both directions.
It was a fantastic event - colourful, upbeat, noisy, good humoured and fun.
People from all round the world joined thousands of Canadians to show the negotiators that people really care about climate change. To the stirring accompaniment of drums and penny whistles, young and old alike, and several dogs, marched and danced through the centre of Montreal.
One heart. One Voice. One Mission.
Save the world. Don't wait for Bush
Elizabeth Mayer, Sierra Club
Speakers greeted the marchers by claiming this was the biggest ever march for the climate and an historic day.
A youth representative said that her generation would be characterised by climate change and they were ready for the challenge. She called on Canadian politicians to put climate change at the heart of the election agenda (see day 1) and on Canadians to write letters, phone their representatives, attend debates and make changes in their daily lives.
The rally ended with some upbeat Quebecquois music which got us all bouncing up and down - badly needed to warm up our frozen feet!
Katie will report tomorrow on where the negotiations have got to.
Katie Elliott and Joanna Watson , our Climate Campaigners are sending daily updates direct from the COP 11 talks in Canada.
© Friends of the Earth
