Tauranga march for urgency on climate change

The rapid destructive impacts of climate change galvanised a large crowd to take part in the Tauranga People's Climate March today.

More than 350 people answered the call from march organiser and Tauranga Carbon Reduction Group member Margie Mollison to join her in calling for urgent effective action to significantly reduce carbon emissions.

Carrying colourful banners, some which read - 'Fight Global Warming', 'Planet before Profit' 'There's no Planet B', the marchers made their way from the corner of Fourth Avenue, down Devonport Rd to Edgewater Fan on The Strand.

Among the passionate crowd were lots of mums and dads, teenagers and young children including one youngster carrying a sign which said - 'Together we can be the change'.

Loud chants rang out, including "Earth is worth fighting for. Act now it's not too late", lead by Tauranga father of four and Ngati Ranganui iwi member Graham Cameron.

Drummers from the Tauranga Samba Group helped draw extra public attention to the reason for the march, and lots of motorists tooted as they drove passed.

Once at Edgewater Fan, the crowd gathered to hear the guest speakers Papamoa College head girl Victoria Rhodes-Carlin, Tauranga City Council sustainability advisor Michelle Elborn and Mr Cameron talk about why climate change was an important issue for everyone.

Ms Rhodes-Carlin said: "The failure to act right now has serious consequences for us all.
"Let's make Aotearoa the most sustainable country in the world. Let's take back our clean green image. This is important for our country and for our city.

"Why can't Tauranga become the most sustainable city in the country? We need act now, not just for ourselves, our neighbours, our families, but also for future generations."

Mr Cameron said: "Let's not get distracted by flags, World Cups, knighthoods, and other distractions. Climate change needs to be on everyone's lips, and our local and national leaders need to be left in no doubt that we expect them to take urgent action to reduce our carbon emissions."

There have been similiar marches around the globe, as world leaders gather in Paris next week to finalise climate change agreements.