Representatives of Scotland’s Nepalese community, business sector and students came together today to highlight the different reasons they will be joining Scotland’s Climate March in Edinburgh on Saturday 28th November.
Thousands of people are expected to march through the streets of the capital ahead of crucial United Nations climate negotiations in Paris that begin on 30th November. The Edinburgh march is part of a weekend of global action by hundreds of thousands of people in cities around the world.
Climate change wil affect people all over the world with communities in developing countries like Nepal being hit hardest. Representatives from the different Scottish communities including Shamili Lama from Nepal, Rob Henthorn of NUS Scotland and David Townsend from the renewable energy sector, took part in a photo stunt in the Meadows in Edinburgh where the march will start at 12noon. Those taking part held signs – ‘Climate’, ‘Justice’ and ‘Jobs’ – to share their reasons for joining the march.
Shamili Lama (pictured above), representing the Nepalese community said:
“If we do not take steps now to control the climate change the whole of the terrestrial ecosystem and ocean circulation will be affected. Therefore it is very important to spread the news to everyone all over the world. We must take action to help stop climate change by doing whatever we can do to help.”
David Townsend, founder and MD of Town Rock Energy said:
“The future of humanity depends upon our collective transition into a low-carbon, sustainable future. Participating in the climate march is important to build support for the necessary transition to renewable energy and the jobs that will come with it.
“Given the urgent need to change the energy sources underpinning our modern society, sustainable energy technologies and projects are destined for exponential growth for the foreseeable future.
Town Rock Energy is the first company of its kind in Scotland, facilitating a new geothermal energy sector project by project. Support for this technology is growing because it is innovative, and helps us tackle climate change whilst providing affordable secure energy.”
Rob Henthorn, NUS Scotland Vice President (Education) said:
“From campus level campaigning to international collaboration, students have always been at the forefront of the fight for global justice. Climate change is one of the biggest threats facing future generations, so it’s right that young people are engaged and calling for action to halt the destruction being wreaked on communities world-wide. NUS Scotland are pleased to support Stop Climate Chaos Scotland in tackling these issues.”
The family-friendly march will culminate with music, entertainment and speeches at the iconic Ross Bandstand in Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens. Compere for the event will be the comedian Hardeep Singh Kohli and music will be provided by Colonel Mustard and The Dijon 5.
Marchers will be demanding that world leaders agree a global deal Paris that cuts greenhouse gas emissions and helps the poorest countries adapt to the challenges they face caused by climate change. Global temperatures are set to rise more than one degree above pre-industrial levels according to the UK’s Met Office. Figures from January to September this year are already 1.02C above the average between 1850 and 1900.
Tom Ballantine, Chair of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, said:
“We hope thousands of people from across Scotland will join us on the streets of Edinburgh and help build a popular movement to address the problem of climate change in the coming years. We will also be demanding that world leaders meeting in Paris will secure a global agreement which sets out how countries will do their fair share to limit dangerous temperature rises and to provide finance for developing nations already impacted by climate change.
“Many of the changes we need to make in Scotland to reduce our emissions will also ensure warmer homes through better energy efficiency of buildings, a shift towards public transport, walking and cycling and better protection of our natural world. We are encouraging people to wear their brightest colours to this march to highlight the positive future if we deliver a low carbon Scotland.”
