MEDIA ADVISORY

NELSON PEOPLE’S CLIMATE MARCH - Sunday 21 Sept 2014, 2pm

The Top of the South joins the global call for 100% clean

Nelson-Tasman residents will join millions worldwide in the largest climate mobilization in history.

At 2pm residents and visitors of the Nelson Region will gather at Millers Acre and march down Trafalgar Street to join in the millions-strong call for a 100% clean energy future.

The Nelson event is part of a massive global day of action that takes place on the doorstep of an emergency summit of world leaders in New York to discuss a unified government response to climate change. The meeting is chaired by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, who has recently also visited New Zealand.

Local, national and international civil society organizations are meeting world leaders as they arrive in New York City with a hundreds of thousands strong People’s Climate March.

At the same time, thousands of events, actions and petitions deliveries demanding “100% clean” will be held in over 88 countries, including a People’s Climate March right here in Nelson.

“This climate day of action is snowballing into a massive mobilization of millions around the world who want leaders to do more to stop runaway climate change,” says local organizer Sara Cooper. “Nelson-Tasman residents are taking part to help show the huge level of public support for a global deal that will avert climate catastrophe and unleash a 100% clean future.”

Polls show that 90% of people worldwide see climate change as a serious problem. Studies show that New Zealand could produce 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025 and be 96% fossil fuel free in road transport by 2035, if we prioritize clean energy.

Local campaign group Clean Energy Action supports the People’s Climate March. “It is extremely heartening to see more people speak up for real and urgent action on climate change,” says Verena Maeder, spokeswoman for CEA. “Scientists say we have less than two years to stop carbon pollution. Sara and her team are doing tremendous work raising awareness, and we are finding that a lot of people are getting more engaged and ready for change.”

The march will take place on the day after the General Election and will send a strong message to the incoming Government that New Zealand should be a leader once again and contribute towards solutions to climate change, as well as living up to its “clean, green” reputation.

On the day, marchers are encouraged to register from 12.30 at the “100% clean” stalls in the Buxton, Montgomery and Wakatu car parks. Face painting and placards will be available, but everyone is encouraged to get creative. The march will leave Millers Acre at 2pm and gather at the Cathedral Steps for a big group photo. Afterwards there will be speakers, displays and entertainment. Cafes at the top end of Trafalgar Street are supporting the march with a “marcher’s special”.

ENDS

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