”What do we want? Climate justice!”

Sunday, 13 December 2009 00:00

Around 100.000 climate activists marched the streets of Copenhagen Saturday.
The slogan “What do we want? Climate justice! When do we want it? Now!” was heard loud and clear throughout the day. People from all over the world had come to express their concern for the climate.
Despite the fact that various riots and police arrests have dominated the news this weekend, the demonstrations went well. 99 percent of the demonstrators came in peace.
The Coolplanet2009 team was there, experiencing a true global tribute, signaling democratic will-power and a united movement.

Homeless penguins and polar bears
The various visual effects and colours in the parades were creative and also symbolized the core of global warming. “Homeless” penguins and polar bears, giant globes and mermaids waving for the climate, were among the people we met.

“We have traveled tow and a half days to get to Copenhagen, by train, bus and ferry”, said Orla Quinn from the Irish organization Trócaire.

Trocaire campaigns for a strong, fair deal which offers real support to the developing countries that are being hit hardest by climate change. Also, as a symbol of rising sea levels, Orla’s fellow travelers Elaine and Kasha had dressed up as mermaids for the occasion.

The Day of Action in Copenhagen started already at 10 AM with a demonstration organized by Friends of the Earth, called ”flooding Copenhagen”. Around 3.000 people joined the flood, many representing national Friends of the Earth organizations around Europe.

At 1 PM a massive crowd gathered at Christiansborg Slottsplads in Copenhagen, were speeches were held by well-known activists from Uganda, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Denmark, all encouraging people and world leaders to take action now.

At Christians borg Slottsplad s, 1 PM.