Christian Aid supporters demand tough action

Together with staff from the development agency's London headquarters, they formed a People Map of the United Kingdom to demonstrate that nationwide support exists for a tough new international climate deal.

The rally marked the launch of Christian Aid's Countdown to Copenhagen campaign which says that the new deal that will be discussed when the international community meets in Denmark next year must prevent catastrophic climate change while ensuring the world's poorest people still have the right to development.

Poorer countries that have done the least to cause global warming are already bearing the brunt of its impact through drought, flooding and a higher incidence of disease caused by extreme weather conditions.

The Reverend Keith Williams, who lives in Belle Hill, said: 'My reason for attending the rally is because I'm concerned about the poor in countries such as Bangladesh which has faced extreme flooding, and those in Africa who face severe droughts.'

A deal must be reached at Copenhagen as it is anticipated that governments will then need two years to ratify what is agreed there, and it is essential the new agreement is in place by the time the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, which at present limits emissions for signatory states, ends in 2012.

Most scientists now agree that if global temperature rises are to be kept within 2C of pre industrial levels '“ beyond which climate catastrophe is predicted '“ industrialised countries must commit to carbon cuts of at least 80 per cent by 2050.

Christian Aid says that target must be included in the Copenhagen deal, as well as a commitment from rich countries to help pay for poor countries to develop cleanly, and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

After the event, a delegation of Christian Aid supporters met Joan Ruddock, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the newly formed Department of Energy and Climate Change.

To join the Christian Aid Countdown to Copenhagen campaign visit www.christianaid.org.uk/copenhagen