The Wave: Stop Climate Chaos

Tomorrow, the most crucial talks on preventing climate change the world has ever seen begin in Copenhagen. Sadly the progress so far looks like far too little, far too late, leading the world’s top climate expert to argue that it would be better if the talks end in collapse because nothing good can come from doing business as usual or from tinkering around the edges.

“This is analagous to the issue of slavery faced by Abraham Lincoln or the issue of Nazism faced by Winston Churchill,” said James Hansen. “On those kind of issues you cannot compromise. You can’t say let’s reduce slavery, let’s find a compromise and reduce it 50% or reduce it 40%.”

Unfortunately, this is the best we’ve got and, for now at least, we’re going to have to try to make the most of it. A (very unscientific) poll of 258 Third Estate readers found that the majority (53%) still believe that radical and immediate action can prevent climate change. 19% said that climate change was inevitable and we’re all doomed, whilst 12% felt there was no need to take drastic action because we can adapt to it. 16% asked Exxon for their $10 bribe and answered that climate change, like evolution, is a myth. For those of us who are more concerned about the planet and the millions of people whose lives are already being destroyed by climate change, however, it is vital that we act now to apply the maximum possible pressure on leaders going to Copenhagen.

Tomorrow there is a march in London to help hammer the message home:

1. What’s The Wave?

On Saturday 5 December 2009, ahead of the crucial UN climate summit in Copenhagen, tens of thousands of people from all walks of life will march through the streets of London to demonstrate their support for a safe climate future for all.

Part of a global series of public actions, The Wave will call on world leaders to take urgent action to secure a fair international deal to stop global warming exceeding the danger threshold of 2 degrees C.

The Wave – which is not just a huge march but a whole day of exciting campaign activities – is organised by the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition, will show mass support by people from all backgrounds for a better, low carbon future for the UK and the world.

We want the UK Government to show leadership at Copenhagen. We want them to Protect the Poorest, Act Fair & Fast, and to Quit Dirty Coal now, to inspire the deal the world needs..

Join The Wave – the UK’s biggest ever demonstration in support of action on climate change.

Please also add The Wave as an event to your Facebook and Twitter accounts.

2. What’s the Plan?

In short:

• Feeder events: 10am – 1pm, and there are even some events starting on the evening of 4th December! Full schedule
• Assembly & rally: 12pm, Grosvenor Square
• March sets off 1pm (please see route below)
• Climax: 3pm Encircling of Parliament
• After Party: 4.30pm, LSE more on the Facebook event
• Dress code: Blue! Please bring blue gloves if you have them, or paint your hands blue for the 3pm climax!

Please check out the website for more details and do make it down if you can. This may well be our last chance to make a difference!

www.stopclimatechaos.org/the-wave