Walk Against Warming 2009
The Wrap
5,000 in Adelaide, 90,000 nation-wide - the Walk Against Warming went off and was heard around the world.
On 12 December thousands of Australians took part in the biggest day of climate action Australia has ever seen. Everyday Australians came together to send an important message to the PM: we don't want him returning to Australia without a binding safe climate deal targeting 350 parts per million or less and an international climate fund for developing nations.
A colourful and diverse crowd amassed at Victoria Square, young and old enthusiastically waving signs, signing petitions and threading their treads with sky-blue "walk for the climate" shoelaces. MC Clementine Ford and Libby King from the Conservation Council roused the crowd and led cries of "bring back a treaty". The march then proceeded, winding its way through the city to Rymill Park where stalls, bands and speeches kept the crowds entertained.
The Walk Against Warming didn't end there: it made its mark at the Copenhagen climate negotiations where Piers Verstegen, representing the Conservation Councils of Australia, met with PM Rudd. Piers handed Mr Rudd photographs of the Walk Against Warming events in Australia and messages from participants, including South Australia's 1800-strong petition.
What follows from Copenhagen remains to be seen, but the Conservation Council will be keeping up the pressure and continuing to demand a binding agreement, a 350ppm target and international assistance for climate-impacted developing nations.
Our thanks go out to everyone who stepped up and walked the walk on 12 December: you were part of something big.