Articles - Miscellaneous

"I Count"

On 4th November I went to London for the Stop Climate Chaos "I Count" rally. The day started with a short service at Grosvenor Chapel - the liturgy having been written by David Pickering of St Andrew's Church. The Chapel was full but I managed to find a space on the floor (I know my place!) and listened to the Bishop of London speaking of our personal responsibility to "fast as well as feast". He pointed out the effects of climate change would be first felt by the poor and vulnerable and said "how can we teach love of neighbour without teaching caring for our neighbour". This was effectively brought home to me when I listened to a message from the Bishop of Bangladesh who said, "I become frightened to think that my grandchildren will have no place to live on this planet earth".

With these thoughts in mind, we joined the rest of the masses in Grosvenor Square. For some reason the organizers had decided to start the march outside the American Embassy - I can't think why! Placards sporting "The Toxic Texan" abounded. I surveyed my fellow marchers. We seemed to be a mixed bunch, all ages and walks of life come together because of a shared concern for the environment. I walked alongside folks with wonderfully painted faces, some riding very whacky bicycles, others playing brass instruments. Father Christmas came too dressed in green, his dog sporting a coat inscribed "I don't want to be a hot dog". We were a colourful lot.

This was a busy Saturday morning and yet the main streets of London had been closed for us - it was all very impressive. Journey's end was Trafalgar Square where the Bishop of Liverpool spoke very effectively. "How can we claim to be empowering Africa to a new future through aid, trade and debt relief if, through our own profligacy, we wreck the climate and ruin their harvests?"

The rally made the BBC evening news. It had been the largest climate march in the UK to date (I was one of an estimated 25,000). I returned to Leeds enthused by all I had heard and seen but also very aware that it is so easy to feel helpless and isolated when faced with the enormous climate change issues. After all what can I do? Well, here is an opportunity in Roundhay. Churches Together in Roundhay Environment Group are setting up seven Eco Groups to start meeting in January in various homes in Roundhay. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn share and to act, supported in a small group setting.. Do take this opportunity to join with others to say "I count". I look forward to meeting some of you there.

Jo Curtis

31 December, 2006