Sunday Canberra Times
Sunday 5/11/2006, Page: 3
PEOPLE power triumphed over non-renewable power in Canberra yesterday in a potent show of support for green energy. More than 2500 people with bicycles, tricycles, scooters and (logs paraded through Civic for the Walk Against Warming march.
Designed to highlight the importance of renewable energy and condemn the burning of fossil fuels, the Greens and Conservation Council-led march from the ACT Legislative Assembly to Glebe Park attracted an assortment of participants including jugglers, musicians, (lancers, clowns and a man on stilts dressed as a blowfly.
The International Day of Action on Climate Change, held right across Australia including in regional areas, inspired different meanings for marchers including Raphaela Mazzone, 22, of Rivett who was dressed in green and carrying a sign saying: "Just do it".
"I believe climate change is one of the most important problems we face today," she said. "We should all work towards finding a solution." Garth Cogin, of Campbell, was equally passionate about the cause, saying it was time people made a difference.
"We should be providing investment for renewable energy - I think solar and wind power is the solution." As part of the demonstration, the Greens Party announced plans to introduce a climate change remedy Bill into Federal Parliament.
Proudly wearing a Greens t-shirt, environmentalist and IVA Senator Rachel Siewert said the Bill called for a 90 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
We are hoping the Government will support it. If John Howard wants to get into bed with big business, he can at least make a recommendation for industry to stop burning fossil fuels," she said. Senator Siewert described the large-scale event as a "fantastic turn-out" and much more than was expected.
The overall theme of the march was aimed at changing people's minds and switching to energy efficient light bulbs, installing solar hot water, walking to the shops instead of driving and reducing own greenhouse gas emissions.
It was also about sending a powerful message to government, she said. "The Government is still in denial on this issue."
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