Doncaster played host to a successful Climate Change Rally last Saturday (11th July), organised by members of the coalition including CAFOD, Tearfund, Christian Aid, Operation Noah and Doncaster Minster.

Over 400 people joined the climate change march. Donny the Dog, Doncaster Rover's lucky mascot, clowns, school children, factory workers and local groups of social justice organisations made a spectacle parading through the town centre on Saturday morning.

Ed Miliband, the MP for Doncaster and Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, was handed hundreds of origami ARKs from Operation Noah which demanded a fair global deal at the UN Climate Summit at Copenhagen later this year.

Climate change is an issue of justice. Poorer countries that have not caused global warming face the prospect of devastated crops and housing due to floods and drought. A fair Copenhagen deal needs to safeguard the rights of these countries to develop sustainably with financial support from richer countries.

Ed Miliband has called for a “populist push” on the issue of global warming and wants to make this issue another “Make Poverty History.” On Thursday 2nd July, he highlighted the importance of faith groups in the struggle against global temperature rising above 2 degrees C:
“Operation Noah typifies the involvement we need from everyone – including faith groups - in the run up to global climate talks in Copenhagen. The faith community has an essential role to play in mobilising their members in the fight against climate change to secure the planet for future generations. That’s why I hope to see the people of Doncaster come out in force for the events planned next week and help encourage other towns across the country to get behind the Government’s plans to reach an international deal in Copenhagen which is ambitious, effective and fair.”

Mark Dowd of Operation Noah responded:
“The Copenhagen summit is arguably the most critical gathering that has ever taken place in human history. The evidence that climate change is accelerating is there for all to see. There is genuine urgency now among climate scientists that we are at a 'make or break' point. This crisis needs to unite many groups in society and make our leaders aware that we demand action, not just words. “

The day finished with a picnic jamboree in the shadow of Operation Noah's travelling ARK and an uplifting service with plenty of environmental and creation related liturgy.

There are photos at jalbum and at St Aidan's Church.
The event has been covered in The Star newspaper and Operation Noah.