Bellingen Chamber of Commerce

A Message from Amy at the Bellingen Environment Centre

THE WALK OF YOUR LIFE

You are invited to join in this year’s Walk Against Warming.

The walk starts from the Connell Park Carpark (at the Entrance to Bellingen High School) at 9am on December 12 and will finish at the Growers Market for morning tea, where a letter writing workshop will take place.

Let’s Walk. For Our Future.

The march this year, held on Saturday December 12, coincides with the midway point of the climate treaty negotiations in Copenhagen and the International Day of Climate Action. In a very real sense, the short-term survival of many nations, and the long-term health of the whole planet, rests in the hands of a few at the Copenhagen talks – arguably the most important human meeting ever. The decisions made by this small group of people will, in large part, determine whether or not the world forges a real deal – not just any deal, but one that is strong enough to pull us back from the brink of climate catastrophe. Their courage – or lack of it – will help set the future of the planet for geological time.

So, this Saturday, join millions around the world calling on their leaders to deliver a strong climate change treaty. Show our political leaders that Australians want strong and swift action to reduce emissions.

The walk will involve speakers from the community about initiatives that are already taking place in Bellingen, and moving us along the path of transition to a self-sustaining community. Speakers will include Carmen Muldoon, Bellingen Urban Landcare; Martin Hogan, Bellingen Environment Centre; Maggie Quirk, Our Harvest; Carole Helman, Bellingen Island Group; Nic Denshire, Bellingen Shire Council and many more!

We’ve walked. We’ve talked. Now We Need Action.

This year’s walk will conclude with an action – a letter writing workshop at the Growers Market. Here, volunteers will be available to assist you in writing letters to your political representatives about what you think and how you feel about environmental issues in your community, your state, your country or your world. The aim is to have 100 letters from our community on their way to our leaders. Letters can be about any environmental issue that you feel passionate about, however, we are also calling for letters specifically asking for our leaders to support the reduction of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and to make fair, ambitious and biding targets at Copenhagen.

Maldives President Mohammed Nasheed said last week at a summit of the most vulnerable nations:

“We will not sign a global suicide pact, in Copenhagen or anywhere.”

To stand with President Nasheed and let your voice be heard at this most crucial time, please join in the Walk Against Warming, 9am this Saturday at Connell Park Carpark, Bellingen. Bring a hat, signage/banners and water and please walk, ride or carpool to the walk where possible.

For Earth,

Amy

0411 736 516

On behalf of the Bellingen Environment Certre