Umbrella Action Day Against Climate Change

10 Jun 2007

Martello Tower, Sandymount Strand, Sunday, June 10th, 3 p.m.

Do you care about climate change?
Does it matter to you that Ireland releases more per person of the greenhouse gases that cause climate change than almost any other nation on earth?
Do you want the next government to use your money to pay fines or change the way we live?

Stop Climate Chaos, an umbrella coalition [1] of Irish development, environment, faith and youth agencies, believes the answer is yes. Our Umbrella Action Day gives people the chance to show the new Dáil that we want them to act. We're inviting the public to come along and put up their umbrellas against climate change to make it clear that we care.

It's all happening on Sunday, June 10th, at the Martello Tower on Sandymount Strand at 3 p.m. Choreographer Muirne Bloomer and dancers will lead the crowd in a movement against climate change. We're planning a fun family day out. Bring the kids, a picnic, even the dog. You can do a biodiversity survey on the beach, watch some balloon blowing, sign our petition and have your face painted.

The rich countries of the world release the most greenhouse gases, but it is the poor who bear the cost. About 150,000 people a year already die as a result of diseases attributable to climate change, mostly in the developing world [2]. If we allow runaway climate change to occur, the consequences for the poor will be catastrophic.

But neither will we escape its effects. Climate change will affect everyone across the globe, whether through increasing droughts and floods, extreme storms or mass migrations.

Experts say we have about 10 years to limit the effects of climate change. Our next government will be in power for about half that time. They won't turn to face the challenge of climate change unless the people tell them to. The Umbrella Action Day is a chance to raise your voice and your brolly.

For further information contact Stop Climate Chaos on 086-1744938 or 01-6394653

[1] The members of the Stop Climate Chaos Campaign are: ActionAid, Afri, An Taisce, Cap and Share, Christian Aid, Comhlámh, Concern, Cultivate, Eco-Congregation, Eco-Unesco, Feasta, Friends of the Earth, Gorta, Kimmage Development Studies Centre, Methodist Church in Ireland - Council of Social Responsibility, National Youth Council Ireland, Oxfam Ireland, People Against Climate Change, Students Against Climate Change, Trócaire, Voice.

[2] 'Climate Change and Human Health: Risks and Response', World Health Organisation, 2003

[3] Stop Climate Chaos makes three demands of the incoming government:

Ensure Ireland does its fair share to prevent climate chaos by immediately bringing in a climate change law which provides for an annual carbon budget and 3% year on year reductions in Irish green house gas emissions.
Push for an international agreement to keep the rise in global temperatures to 2 degrees Celsius or less. This means that global greenhouse gas emissions must reach their peak and begin to decline irreversibly within 10 years.
Support developing countries to adapt to the unavoidable effects of climate change.

Stop Climate Chaos | www.stopclimatechaos.ie | info@stopclimatechaos.ie