SusWot joined in day of action

Sustainable Westbury on Trym (SusWot) joined a day of action at the Harbourside as part of a  campaign to prevent climate change.

SusWot Chair Andy O'Brien said: "It was good to be part of what was probably the most widespread day of environmental action in the planet's history.

"People in 181 countries came together at over 5,200 events around the world to call for strong action and bold leadership on the climate crisis. There are some amazing pictures of the events at www.350.org.

"SusWot helped out on the Transition Bristol stall at the Millennium Square event.

"We took along some more eco-pledge leaves - like those at our recent Eco Fiesta. Over 80 people signed up to take action, such as switching to a green electricity supplier, insulating their loft, or using the car less.

"The number 350 is significant because scientists say the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is 350 parts per million. We're currently at 387 parts per million, so we have to starting acting on this right now."

Environmentalist Jonathon Porritt addressed those that attended the free event aimed to put pressure on world leaders ahead of climate talks in Copenhagen in December.

Mr Porritt, the founder of Forum for the Future, spoke to the people who had attended the Millennium Square event before they were asked to join hands, create the shape of the figure 350 at 3.50pm and observe a minute’s silence.

The  figure symbolised the maximum number of parts per million of carbon dioxide that can be allowed into the atmosphere to avoid runaway climate change.

Mr Porritt said: “Low carbon changes have to be easy. Public transport still isn’t easy enough and it’s not very safe to be a cyclist.”

He said although it had been left “fantastically late”, it wasn’t too late to do something about it.