Local people from Brighton are gathering at Brighthelm today to show solidarity with the people of the Philippines who have suffered the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan, and to call for urgent action on climate change.
The Philippines chief negotiator, Yeb Sano, opened the UN climate talks in Warsaw last week with a plea for action, and announcing a hunger strike in solidarity for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. In a speech that moved negotiators and observers across the conference centre to tears, Sano said governments had to take notice of what was happening in his country as they were making their decisions over the coming fortnight. Brighthelm Trustee Sally Barnard says: “The vigil is designed to show that Brighton is right behind Yeb Sano in demanding that our governments wake up to the risks of uncontrolled climate change, while responding to the devastation it is already causing.” The idea came from climate campaigning organisation 350.org which is organising coordinated action around the world to show backing for Yeb Sano’s stand, and delivered a petition signed by over 600,000 people collected in only a week. As it enters its final day, progress at the Warsaw talks is still stalled, with negotiations moving at a very slow pace. Anyone who is interested in showing their solidarity with the Philippines and demanding action by politicians is invited to join the half hour vigil at Brighthelm today, starting at 1.00pm. What: #WeStandWithYou Vigil Where: In Brighthelm Garden, Brighthelm Church and Community Centre North Road, Brighton When: Friday, November 22, Time: 1:00-1.30 PM
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