Moncton takes part as one of 5,242 simultaneous events on climate in 181 countries.

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Lise Elsliger

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It was cold and rainy last Saturday, but that didn't impact the enthusiasm of the over 50 citizens gathered in front of Moncton's City Hall, following a march to demand strong action on climate change.

"I'm very happy with the outcome today," said organizer Françoise Aubin "It's raining and cold, but there are plenty of people that came out. We made noise on the streets. People stayed in the rain to listen to speeches."

Global warming experts have, for years now, been saying that we are sending too much carbon dioxide up into the atmosphere. A NASA research team headed by American climate scientist James Hansen in January 2008 was actually able to measure this amount, stating that safe CO2 levels in the atmosphere should not surpass 350 parts per million (ppm).

"It's a very tough number," says Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org. "We're already well past it "" the atmosphere holds 390 ppm today, which is why the Arctic is melting and the ocean steadily acidifying. To get back to the safe level we need a very rapid halt to the use of coal, gas and oil so that forests and oceans can absorb some of that carbon."

The solution? An international Climate Walk to raise the awareness of politicians soon to be meeting in Copenhagen this December, through which 5,242 simultaneous events on climate took place Saturday Oct. 24 in 181 Countries. Founded by author and environmentalist Bill McKibben, 350.org is the first large-scale grassroots global campaign against climate change. Its supporters include leading scientists, the governments of 92 countries, and a huge variety of environmental, health, development and religious NGOs.

"We had no idea it would get the overwhelming support, enthusiasm and engagement from all over the world that we're seeing," said McKibben. "It seems far-fetched that you could get this many people to rally around a scientific data point, but the number just keeps climbing. It shows just how scared of global warming much of the planet really is, and how fed up (they are) at the inaction of our leaders."

Organizers reported that smaller-scale actions include climbers with banners high on the slopes of Mt. Everest and teams of divers with signs on the Great Barrier Reef or the coral off the coast of Oman in the Persian Gulf. Israeli, Palestinian and Jordanian campaigners are coordinating a joint action along the shores of the Dead Sea.

What did people in Moncton attending the event have to say?

Michel Desjardins, one of the people behind the restoration of the Peticodiac River, says he is now involved in a group called Post-Carbon Greater Moncton.

"Like it or not," he explains on his blog, "the combined forces of climate change and oil depletion mean we will all have to live with a lot less fossil fuel-based energy in the future. This has widespread implications for our way of life. Our group wants to help Greater Monctonians prepare for what could be a tricky transition."

Yvonne Devine is the chair of the Southeast chapter of the Conservation Council of NB, which deals with issues like sustainable development, the forestry, uranium mining and basically, anything to do with the environment in the province.

"For me," she says. "I've always been interested in children and the environment. Children are our future and the environment is our future. So to me I couldn't sit back and not do something. Because if everyone sits back and waits for the other guy to do it nothing will happen. And people have to stand up, so I have the time to do it and that's my passion."

Chris Collins, MLA for Moncton East, speaks of important environmental strides that have taken place in the last year, one of which he lead himself concerning the use of pesticides.

"The government cannot tackle climate change alone. Each and every one of us here today has to do all we can to protect our natural resources. Recycling, car pooling, reducing energy use, re-using shopping bags. All of these things are going to help make a difference. And being here today is an important part of living green. By being here today, and sharing ideas and resources, we're all going to come away with more knowledge and more determination to focus on climate change."

Olivier Weil is a well-known local environmentalist, who is the person behind Moncton's Earth Day festivities.

"Today, the first thing that comes to mind is that we had fun," he says. "We had drums, trumpets, flutes and people were smiling. People walk on the streets with a smile on their face. There were maybe 50 of us. It's not a big group, but the quality was there. There was good vibes. Even with the rain, people felt good. So, I think it was a success. Because that is life. After all, all we want is to feel good. We want to improve the state of the environment so that our children will be happy. Our ultimate goal is to help humanity's quality of life through the environment. Our concerns around the environment are that we don't want pollution and climate change lead to health problems for humanity. Our goal is to be well. And today we were together and we were well. "

For more info visit www.350.org