‘There is no plan B; because there is no planet B’
EMMARENTIA - Joburgers showed where their hearts lay by amassing in a heart formation for climate change.
Joburgers made themselves a part of history joining millions worldwide in the largest ever recorded climate mobilisation on 21 September.
More than 200 locals – mostly dressed in white – gathered at Emmarentia Dam (the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens) to participate in a mass heart formation to demonstrate their support for 100 per cent clean energy.
Families picnicked in sunshine amidst wet leaves from the previous nights’ brusque hailstorm. Every participant’s cheek was adorned with a painted green heart – the symbol of the Turn Your Heart Green campaign.
“Over 4 000 people in our city signed the petition for climate change,” Avaaz volunteer leader Simone Innes said.
“The whole world is mobilising; people are so supportive of this cause and we’re standing together on this.”
Millions of people partook in 2 808 events in 166 countries ahead of an emergency summit of world leaders in New York on 23 September.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called the summit together, demanding measures to halt the advance of global climate change. “There is no ‘Plan B’ for action as there is no ‘Planet B’, Ki-moon said at the People’s Climate March in New York City on the same day.
Avaaz is one of many groups calling for global action against climate change. The organisation has asked cities around the world to mobilise and demand green, fossil-fuel-free energy.
“We need to educate ourselves about climate change – Avaaz’s goal is 100 per cent clean energy by 2015,” Innes said.
“Time is running out for our planet, and meanwhile, higher ups are investing in coal. We want to put pressure on our government – where are the promised solar wind farms? Why aren’t we using solar power or biofuels?”
Support for the climate action in Jozi is amazing, Innes said. Many people are joining the cause and donating their time or resources to help out. “The aerial photograph of our heart formation from a helicopter was even sponsored. We’re crafting a future for our children – we can’t live irresponsibly, we can’t destroy our children’s future. We need to avert climate catastrophe and ensure that our descendants have a clean and beautiful world to live in.”
