Thousands of activists from around the world, including Malta, have joined Friends of the Earth International’s demand for climate justice and an end to offsetting carbon emissions. A series of events were organised in Valletta today the 12th of December to coincide with the annual United Nations Climate Talks which are taking place this year in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The day kicked off at 10:00 with the launch of a short film called “Beat the Change” at St. James Cavalier, and a forum discussion on climate change – “Beat the Change – Invest in climate solutions”, chaired by Vince Fabri. Speakers included the Hon. Minister George Pullicino, Tania Borg representing PL, Ing. Charles Yousif from the Energy Institute, and Saviour Vassallo from MEPA.

This was followed by a symbolic and colourful action in Freedom Square Valletta where a large crowd of supporters, including George Pullicino, Leo Brincat, Owen Bonnici and TV personalities Claire Agius and Vince Fabri, formed the letters ACT NOW made up of people from the crowd. to send a strong message to world leaders that a safe and fair deal must be agreed in order for dangerous levels of climate change to be avoided. This deal should also protect the world’s poorest who will suffer most from the effects of climate change.

The Copenhagen Climate Talks are the world’s last chance to secure an emissions reductions agreement that will replace the Kyoto Protocol before it expires. There is a growing consensus among scientists that we have as little as ten years to stop and reverse the global growth in greenhouse gas emissions before ‘runaway’ climate change becomes uncontrollable. That means the international talks currently being held in Copenhagen could be our last chance to avert a global catastrophe of unimaginable proportions – perhaps the most important international meeting ever held. We feel therefore that there is an overwhelming need to demonstrate a global will for urgent and effective action at this time

We need strong leadership on climate change. Too many politicians are happy to speak about the issue, but their promises have often turned out to be just hot air. One exception is the United Kingdom, where a climate law has just been adopted, which will force the government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions every year. We need your help to ensure that other governments follow this example.

During the Copenhagen talks Friends of the Earth International campaigners will be lobbying negotiators and deliver a petition signed by more than 30,000 people urging world leaders to do the right thing in Copenhagen by effectively protecting our climate and people all over the world.

Friends of the Earth’s website has mote information about their work, as well as information about how to join www.foemalta.org . You can also support them by sending a blank SMS donation on 50618070 (€4.66) or 50619223 (€11.65).