Archived press release

London climate change march

2 December 2005

A climate change march and rally is taking place in London this Saturday (3 December 2005) to coincide with demonstrations in 32 countries worldwide, as part of an international effort to raise the profile of climate change during the critical UN talks in Montreal, Canada.

The march is organised by the Campaign against Climate Change and by many of the UK's leading social, environmental and political groups, including Friends of the Earth. It will go past Downing Street, where a letter will be handed in, demanding that the British government reaffirm its commitment to an international climate treaty with legally binding targets on emission reductions.

The turn out is expected to be one of the largest climate change specific demonstrations in the UK.

Friends of the Earth's Climate Campaigner, Nick Rau, who is speaking at the event, said:

"If the UK is serious about leadership on climate change then our Government needs to take action at home. It isn't too late - if the UK cuts its carbon dioxide emissions every year, starting now, we really can achieve the big reductions needed in the long term. That's why The Big Ask, Friends of the Earth's climate change campaign, is calling for a new law to ensure UK governments, from now and until 2050, reduce carbon dioxide emissions by three per cent every year."

Friends of the Earth's International Climate Campaigner, Catherine Pearce, who is at the climate talks in Montreal said:

"Thousands of people will march this Saturday to highlight the urgent need to take action on climate change. The UK Government would do well to pay attention.UK leadership in the EU appears to be faltering at this crucial stage of the climate talks in Montreal. The Government must raise its expectations - the success or failure of the talks will reflect on its commitment to climate change."

Other Speakers addressing the rally include Michael Meacher MP (ex Environment Minister), Norman Baker MP, Caroline Lucas MEP and author and journalist George Monbiot

Notes

www.campaigncc.org/

For details of demonstrations and events around the world for the International Day of Climate Protest see www.globalclimatecampaign.org .

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust