From Mary Whibley:

AT United Nations talks in Copenhagen this December our leaders will thrash out humanity's response to the climate crisis. Although we will not bear the brunt of the devastation here in North Cornwall, be in no doubt that, unless the signatory countries reach a strong and fair agreement, we will not be able to stop the worst effects of global temperature rises and ever increasing Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. This will impact on each and every one of us.

In 1997 the Kyoto protocol established legally binding targets for the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG) for developed countries for a commitment period which ends 2012. In Copenhagen the negotiations are about emission reductions for the second commitment period ( 2013 – 2020). Rich countries must commit to deep domestic carbon emission cuts for an agreement to be reached. So far the reductions pledged are inadequate and include high amounts of offsets ( where we simply "buy" our cuts by paying other countries to keep their emissions down instead).

On Saturday, December 5, thousands of climate campaigners will be flooding to London to be part of The Wave, a huge public demonstration which is organised by a coalition of over a hundred organisations from environment and development charities to the WI, unions, faith and community groups.

The protest is a warning of the extreme weather conditions Britain could face if the talks in Copenhagen fail to reach an agreement strong enough to reduce, sufficiently, the pace of global warming.

Bude Friends of the Earth are hiring a coach for those who want to join the demonstration. Tickets £20 return. For further information go to http://www.the-wave.org.uk">www.the-wave.org.uk or http://www.foe.co.uk/bude">www.foe.co.uk/bude or ring 01288 331424.

We often feel powerless about decisions made by leaders but giving in or doing nothing sends them the wrong message. We know the facts and want to do everything we can to ensure our elected representatives deliver the appropriate deal in Copenhagen. Please join us. Don't just talk the talk — do the walk. Now is our time.

Co-ordinator Bude

Friends of the Earth