This event, organised by Wilderness resident Debbie Ryder, was prompted by a general newsletter received from the Global Civil Organisation Avaaz.
In the newsletter Avaaz, known for promoting activism on issues such as climate change, human rights, animal rights, corruption, poverty and conflict called upon its members to add their voice to the 2015 United Nations (UN) Summit in a hope to secure a new global climate treaty that will replace the current one.
"Scientists are screaming from the rooftops that climate change isn't just a bit of warming and some more storms. No exaggeration, our actual survival is at risk, this is a fight to save the world," said Ryder.
The concerned residents hoped to create the slogan '100% Clean' out of natural materials and people, but sadly the extreme weather firstly blew anything placed on the sand away and secondly kept many volunteers indoors, out of the brutal onslaught of the weather.
"I am a little disappointed that we couldn't do what was planned, but understand that the weather played a major part, and am so grateful to those who did join us," said Ryder. The few volunteers who had braved the weather managed to write '100% Clean' in the sand and stood holding hands behind their slogan.
"We created the slogan because that is what it takes to keep our climate safe," explained Ryder. "We need man-made carbon emissions to end soon and get to zero by 2050. That is the only way to make sure we limit global warming to the maximum amount recommended by scientists - 2°C. This is the same limit that was agreed to at the massive 2009 Copenhagen Climate summit."
The photographs of the '100% Clean' slogan will be sent to the UN Summit as Wilderness' contribution. Asked if it is possible to achieve the '100% Clean' goal, Ryder concluded, "Yes. Some scenarios show that we already have the technology to economically cut our emissions to zero for 90% of current sources of pollution."
With the help from like-minded people, Wilderness resident Debby Ryder arranged a photo shoot to add a voice to secure a new global climate treaty to the UN Summit 2015. Photos: Fran Kirsten
ARTICLE: FRAN KIRSTEN
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