Thousands rally for climate change action

Thousands of people joined forces calling for a price on carbon and investment in renewable energy at Belmore Park last Saturday.

Organised by social action group, GetUp!, speakers included representatives from Greenpeace, Australian Youth Climate Coalition and Running Stream Water Users Association.

But just four blocks away at Hyde Park, protestors gathered to voice their opposition to the proposed carbon tax, mirroring the recent protest in Canberra.

Director of GetUp! Simon Sheikh said Australia must act on climate change now and encouraged protestors to lobby the government.

“We are the last line of defence for mother nature,” he said.

“Our challenge to demand a comprehensive response from our government. A comprehensive response that will see this nation powered 100 per cent by renewable energy. That is our challenge.

“We must achieve a price on pollution and we must achieve substantial investment in renewable energy.”

Speaking to the crowd, mum Jenny, said Australia is ready to act on climate change and that we must work together as a community to build leadership in our backyards.

CEO of Greenpeace, Dr Linda Selvey, said Australia needed to move forward on climate change action and invest in sustainable energy solutions and new technologies.

“We’re here to say yes, we want a solution to climate change,” she told the crowd.

“Saying no will get us no where.

“Putting a price tag on pollution is a major step to making Australia cleaner and greener for us all.”

Speaking on behalf of the Australian Youth Climate Change Coalition, Gemma Borgocaratti, appealed to the younger audience saying:

“It saddens me that I know this will happen in my lifetime, in your lifetime,” she said.

“We must continue to fight to show that Sydney will support a high price on carbon.

While it has been estimated 4000 people attended the rally near Central Station, Mr Sheikh said otherwise.

“I literally can’t see the back of this crowd,” he shouted from the stage.

“Eight thousand people can fit into this park and it is absolutely full.”

Treasury figures released last Friday indicated household expenses would rise by almost $900 a year under a carbon tax.

But despite this, protestors said paying for investment in the future of Australia’s environment was a priority.

“This is about our future; we need a price on carbon, and we need a price now,” said protestor, Alison Francis.

“This is not about playing politics, this is about saving our country from devastation.”

by Sophie Cousins