London: Thousands march and pray for climate

More than 2,500 demonstrations took place in 175 countries around the world on Sunday, to urge world leaders to take urgent action to tackle climate change at the Paris climate talks which opened today.

In London, at least 50,000 people marched from Hyde Park down Whitehall to a rally outside the Houses of Parliament. Cities including Edinburgh, Bristol and Belfast hosted other UK marches and prayer services.

Faith groups met in London for an interfaith service at Westminster Synagogue before joining the demonstration. Among the marchers were faith leaders, priests, religious, many school, college and parish groups, veterans and pensioners. There were also groups from islands already suffering the consequences of global warming. Mickaele Maiava, from the coral island of Tokelau, said the sea level has risen so much, houses are sinking and crops can no longer grow.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn addressed the crowd before the march began. He said: "The issues facing the world in Paris this week are pollution, climate change, inequality, environmental refugees, war refugees and resources wars. If we are to make a real difference in Paris, all these issues have got to be thought about and addressed."

Actresses Emma Thompson and Vanessa Redgrave,designer Vivien Westwood, singers Thom Yorke and Charlotte Church, Green, and the Green MP Caroline Lucas were among those who attended.

Ann Hamilton, a CAFOD supporter from Rye, said: "I wanted to come to the march so I could galvanise my parish. Climate change concerns all of us. It's so inspiring to have people of different faiths coming together. It's a prophetic occasion."

See also: ICN 30 November 2015 Westminster Synagogue hosts interfaith event for climate marchers www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=28925