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We asked a few people to say why they wanted to come to The Wave:

Sylvia Arthur

As editor of an online magazine that regularly features stories on international development, I’ve learnt a lot about the interdependence of people and planet. But it was while writing a feature on African environmentalists that I had a light bulb moment and suddenly realised that the link between climate change and poverty is undeniable. That’s why I’m supporting The Wave. People in poor countries are suffering the most for something that they’ve contributed to the least. There’s never been a better time to demand action on climate change. The time is now!

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Hamayoon Sultan

It’s just white middle-class people who care for the environment, right? Wrong! My name is Hamayoon Sultan, I work for Islamic Relief, I’ll be at the march in December, and yes, I’m a Muslim! As a Muslim, I am required to be preoccupied with preserving this planet that humanity has been entrusted with, and with maintaining the natural balance that God has laid out. As such, I have been attending awareness raising events, writing for our website, and generally speaking out in favour of action. Please join me on the march where together, we must send a loud and clear demand for meaningful action to slow, and reverse the damage done to our environment.

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Bryony, 14 years old

I want to be there because it is my future.

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Marion Birch

I’m Marion and I work for Medact, a charity campaigning on global health issues. I’m taking part in the Wave with many of our members because we know how devastating the health consequences of climate change will be if urgent action is not taken. Many in the developing world are already affected. If we don’t act climate change will make millions more people vulnerable to diseases such as malaria, and put whole communities at risk from overcrowding and poor public health conditions as a result of displacement due to drought or flooding. We know that much of what is good for health is good for the climate: reducing your carbon footprint can make you healthier, and help others. Hospitals and institutions such as the NHS can set an example and benefit from reducing their emissions. Action is already being taken but far more is needed on a much larger scale. The Wave is a wake up call - we must act now for a healthy tomorrow.

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Brian Davey

I’m a freelance ecological economist working with the Dublin based think tank Feasta and co-ordinating the UK Cap and Share Campaign. I also helped set up Transition Nottingham. It's really important government gets a sense how concerned we are – even alarmed at the scale of the climate crisis. Governments want to promise that it can all be sorted out without major changes in lifestyle – I don’t think that’s true and we need to show that people and communities are prepared to make real changes. Right now governments are lagging behind. Their targets are unambitious. They don’t get it enough.

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Simon Killane, Unitary Councillor

I want to help make sure that our last chance to make a difference really does make a difference...

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Catherine Doody, Mayor of Malmesbury

I’m doing this for the community.

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Graham Allnatt, Justice and Peace Group

I want to be able to tell my grandchildren that I made the effort.

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Sue James, Portsmouth Climate Action Network

I’m planning to go to the Wave because the prospect of climate chaos is terrifying and yet progress seems to be so slow. We really need to galvanise more politicians and business leaders into action and if we can achieve that by joining together on 5th December it would be fantastic. I’ve been involved with campaigning for WDM and other groups for about 40 years and I’m very encouraged by the way that different groups are now working together, not only just here in Britain but around the world. A strong and just settlement at Copenhagen is vital so we have to make our voices heard. We can get it if we fight together.

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