Region joins human wave for action on climate change

Dec 4 2009 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

ClimateNE, the region’s climate change partnership and the Association of North East Councils are helping to fund 24-year-old Gemma Bone from Birtley in Gateshead who will be among 24 UK youth delegates at the Copenhagen conference.

Gemma has already cycled 100 miles along Hadrian’s Wall to raise funds for the UK group’s costs and to help finance a Kenyan youth delegation.

Gemma said: “As a youth delegation, we’ll be a visible presence at the conference and making our voices heard. This is a crucial point in time for young people , as climate change will define our generation.”

Adrian Hilton, ClimateNE coordinator, said: “Today’s youth will live with the decisions made at Copenhagen and Gemma’s contribution to the debate is essential.”

The UK’s 47 wildlife trusts will also send a giant postcard message to Prime Minister Gordon Brown, urging him to deliver a far-reaching and positive agreement at the Copenhagen summit .

Mike Pratt, Northumberland Wildlife Trust chief executive who signed the postcard, said: “We are all putting far too much pressure on our planet which is already having devastating impacts.

“Northumberland Wildlife Trust has 12,500 members who all care deeply about the future of the natural environment and the impact of climate change on people and the natural environment, upon which we all depend, is predicted to be dramatic.”

For details on The Wave, visit www.stopclimatechaos.org

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