ECONOMIC opportunities would follow if the government took greater measures against climate change, according to one of the speakers at the Central West People’s Climate March on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
About 200 people gathered in Cook Park for the march, which led to a gathering on the lawn outside Wesley Uniting Church in Anson Street.
One of the speakers, Simon Wright, said the effects of climate change could already be felt through unpredictable weather and changes to rainfall.
He said people often felt disempowered in the climate change debate, but they could exercise influence as consumers by choosing power companies with a better clean energy ratings and asking their superannuation funds to invest in green companies.
“I did that about six months ago and the returns I get match or exceed the core markets,” he said.
“When they go to Woolies and Coles they can look for products that are green and ethically produced and most important local - buying local is a great way to boost the economy.”
But he said the policymakers still had a significant role to play, both in setting emissions reduction targets to 80 per cent by 2050 in line with the International Panel on Climate Change’s recommendations, and supporting clean energy industries.
“We have the resources locally to generate our own electricity - that would reduce our emissions by 70-80 per cent and give us ownership over electricity generation,” he said.
A competition offering prizes for the most inventive signs yielded some creative results, with Jacqui Chan dressing as a solar panel.
“We want to have 100 per cent renewable energy here, otherwise we won’t have a liveable future,” she said.
Carmel Hanrahan said her grandchildren were due to attend the Sydney march yesterday, and they were impressed their grandparents had taken an interest.
“This is for young people - they need to have it the way we knew it when we were young and it’s disappearing,” she said.
Meanwhile Catherine Newell travelled to the rally from Bathurst with a group of fellow residents.
“We all want to see them unite and come to an agreement together,” she said.
danielle.cetinski@fairfaxmedia.com.au