Pound the pavement against climate change

As part of the International Day of Climate Change Action, a Walk Against Warming will be held on Saturday November 4, commencing at 11am in Martin Place, Sydney.

Walks are also leaving from the Peace Pole (by the beach) at Byron Bay at 9.30am, the Parramatta Amphitheatre (near the Town Hall) at 9.30am, Nobby's Beach, Newcastle (near the Surf Life Saving Club) at 1pm, and the Maitland Post Office (for a walk to Maitland Park) at 10am.

Nationally, walks will also take place in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Canberra, Adelaide, Cairns, Hobart, Darwin, Ballarat and Bunbury.

The Walk Against Warming website states that while Australians care about global warming (from switching to energy efficient light bulbs, to installing solar hot water, to walking to the shops instead of driving), the actions of individuals in their own homes won't be enough to stop global warming.

"Governments, industries and the community all have to work together if we are to see the real reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that are so necessary if we are to avoid dangerous climate change taking place," the website says.

"We need laws put in place to make sure more of our electricity comes from sources such as wind and solar and gradually less from polluting fuels like coal. And the same can be said for the petrol in our cars.

"But Governments will only enact the necessary laws if enough people are telling them they are deeply concerned about global warming -- and one of these ways is to march on the streets about it.

"At last year's Walk against Warming, people of all ages and backgrounds -- kids, parents pushing babies in prams, cyclists, city workers, students and senior citizens, joined thousands of everyday Australians on the streets. Many people said they were marching for the first time and were thrilled to have been able to be a part of the fun and peaceful event. This year, the organisers are hoping that even more people will take part and that the Australian Government will realise just how much the majority of Australians want action on climate change now."

For more information contact the Nature Conservation Council on (02) 9279 2466, email ehowden@nccnsw.org.au or visit www.walkagainstwarming.org.

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