Guide takes action on climate change
A Guide from Streatham,
London has urged world leaders to take strong action on
climate change.
Ten-year-old Charis from the 1st Streatham Hill Guides
spoke on stage at The Wave, the biggest ever march on climate
change attended by an estimated 50,000 people. This
march comes as nations gathered in Copenhagen for crucial
international climate talks.
Charis won the opportunity after thousands of Brownies, Guides,
Senior Section members and Leaders took part in a Friends of the
Earth project as part of Girlguiding UK's Changing the World
initiative. The aim of the Friends of the Earth's 'Be a Climate
Champion' project was to find out what is stopping people from
leading greener lifestyles. Charis made a video presentation to
answer the question 'What should Government do to tackle climate
change?', which stood out from the other entries thanks to its
creativity and campaigning zeal.
Charis joined tens of thousands of protesters to march along
with Friends of the Earth to the Houses of Parliament for the
grand finale - a mass action which saw everyone waving blue painted
or gloved hands in the air. Joining Charis at the march were
friends Anna and Immy Lancaster, also from 1st Streatham Hill
Guides.
Charis said: 'Lots of people came because they think climate
change is important - we want a good result in Copenhagen.'
'Charis won the chance to attend the rally with Friends of the
Earth because of her obvious desire to do what she can to help stop
climate change.' said Friends of the Earth's Executive
Director Andy Atkins. 'Young people like Charis are truly inspiring
- now we need the Government to demonstrate the same level of
commitment to a strong and fair deal to tackle global warming.'
You can find out more about the Changing the World initiative,
along with how Girlguiding UK changed the world, but visiting the
Changing the World
website (this link will open in a new window).
For further information on Friends of the Earth, please visit the Friends of the Earth
website (this link will open in a new window).