Right now world leaders are meeting in Copenhagen to discuss climate change. Platform2 returnees have been campaigning up and down the country to raise awareness about the issue, especially the impact it has on developing countries. Following are just a few examples from Tynemouth and York......
 
 
TYNEMOUTH


 
On 10th October a group of P2 returned volunteers and their friends set out to raise awareness in Tynemouth about the effect climate change has on migration and homelessness, and ultimately to encourage people to take action for a fair climate deal in Copenhagen.
 
Volunteers decided the best way to do this would be by making a fool of themselves and getting as much attention as possible! Everyone turned up with at least one cardboard box, of all shapes and sizes! We set up camp with our cardboard boxes covered in signs like ‘home sweet home?’ ‘whose responsibility are we?’ and ‘gone in a wave, we couldn’t have stayed’, as well as statistics about migration caused by climate change. Volunteers walked around, getting people’s attention and explained the importance of Copenhagen. They also got people to sign pledges and letters to Gordon Brown.
 
With some volunteers staying sat in their cardboard boxes, others again went on a mission to find people to harass, and they were successful! Most people were very open to discussing the issues and wanted to find out more. Of course there were a few climate change sceptics, and then there were a few who simply didn’t care that our actions effect people in other countries but the majority of people were receptive and open, and ready to take action. 
 
The day was a success in that volunteers had got loads of pledges signed, and had talked to hundreds of people about the Copenhagen summit. Even if the seeds grow in just a few people’s minds about the issue, we have done well!
 
WHILST IN YORK....


 
India returnee Rachelle Whillis writes:
On 7th November 16 Platform2 returnees met in York for a ‘Catalyst Day’ organised by Ctrl.Alt.Shift  and the Co-operative. The day was organised to inspire and educate people to help prevent further global warming.
 
The day began with an educational workshop that highlighted the effect of climate change on the planet. We created our own flash mob in the heart of York which focused on getting the public to “wake up to climate change!” The day ended on a high by an inspirational talk by Gemma Bone, who is a young delegate to the UN Copenhagen talks with the UKYCC.
 
I am currently working on an ethical living project over the festive month of December, where I will be focusing on issues surrounding consumerism. After my platform2 experience in India I decided to complete an ethical living month, which I plan to document and make into a short film.
 
Funding from the Co-op will allow me to edit my footage into a documentary which will enable more people to fully understand the way the decisions they make as consumers effect the environment and living conditions of others.
 
Overall, the day was a success and hopefully the catalyst group will be extended creating a large body of like minded, creative individuals who inspire many people in making informative life choices decreasing the alarming rise in global warming and climate change.
 
If you’re in Yorkshire or the North East, you can also get involved with the Catalyst project.  Contact Alex Jones, ajones@christian-aid.org or 0113 2444764 for more info.