Brisbane's First Walk Against Warming

On December 3, 2005, Australians united for a Walk Against Warming – a community initiative simultaneously staged across the country to draw attention to the need for urgent action to prevent global climate change.

The Walks Against Warming were part of an International Day of Action on Climate Change, scheduled to coincide with the first meeting of the 156 signatories to the Kyoto Protocol in Montreal, Canada. On December 3, demonstrations around the world declared Australia a climate ‘rogue state’ as the international community demanded that Australia and the United States of America ratify the Kyoto Protocol immediately, and that the entire global community commit to a clean energy future.

As part of these demonstrations, walks took place in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra and Cairns.

In Brisbane, local residents staged an umbrella parade, beginning in King George Square, and walking through the city to Musgrave Park in West End. Sporting colourfully decorated “Kyoto Umbrellas”, participants in the parade called on the Australian government to ratify the Kyoto Protocol and commit to a rapid reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to prevent dangerous climate change.

Speakers at the event included Australian Senator Andrew Bartlett and Jerry Colby-Williams from the ABC’s Gardening Australia, and the picnic showcased local bands Future Native and Timbah.

The inaugural Walk Against Warming was the first attempt of its kind aimed at providing the general public with an opportunity to take to the streets on the critical issue of climate change. Future Walks will enable people to add their voice to the call for the Federal Government to ratify the Kyoto Protocol.

The 2006 Walk Against Warming Umbrella Parade will begin on Saturday, November 4th in Queens Park at 2pm, and participants are encouraged to bring family and friends, along with their personally decorated Kyoto Umbrella or windmill.

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