Peter Tatchell

Peter Tatchell, gay human rights campaigner and Green Party parliamentary candidate for Oxford East, has called for all queers to help save the planet.

Mr Tatchell said:
"I'm supporting the 10:10 campaign to cut Britain's carbon emissions by 10% in 2010. I urge the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community to back this important initiative. Queers make up one in ten of the population. By reducing our energy consumption by a tenth, 'pink power' can help save the planet.

"There is not much point campaigning for LGBT human rights unless we have a habitable planet on which to enjoy these rights. If global warming results in climate destruction and economic downturn, our quality of queer life will be seriously diminished. In the worst case scenario, human survival might be threatened. That's why LGBT people need to support 10:10.

"Global warming has the potential to cause more damage and human suffering than any other threat. It is a bigger danger than war, terrorism, misogyny, racism or homophobia. All these issues are important but climate chaos is the gravest threat of all.

"We need to act now, both on a personal and political level, to halt global warming. The 10:10 campaign is about us taking individual responsibility to ensure that Britain remains a green and pleasant land.

"Cutting our personal carbon footprint by 10% by the end of 2010 is a realistic, achievable target that will make an impact.  It isn't hugely difficult.

"I found it a fun challenge and quite easy. It has reduced my energy bills and saved me money. Walking, cycling and not eating meat has also made me fitter and healthier.

"If we each meet the 10% target, we'll make a significant contribution to reducing Britain's CO2 emissions.

"We don't have to wait for the government and business to give us a lead. We can take the initiative ourselves by eliminating energy wastage in our homes, workplaces and neighbourhoods. By our personal example, we can pressure government and business to do the same.

"Join the 10:10 'people power' campaign. Act locally to make a global difference. Help us reverse climate chaos."

Earlier this week Mr Tatchell helped launch the 10:10 campaign at the Tate Modern in London, together with prominent public figures, including Sarah Waters, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Sara Cox, Antony Gormley, Kwame Kwei-Armah, Andrew Motion, Ken Livingstone and Shami Chakrabarti.

To sign the petition go to:
www.1010uk.org

For information about Peter Tatchell view:
www.petertatchell.net