Eco-warriors from Stroud valleys to attend UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen (From Stroud News and Journal)

Eco-warriors from Stroud valleys to attend UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen

12:00pm Wednesday 25th November 2009

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YOUNG eco-warriors from the Stroud valleys are set to head to Copenhagen for the UN Climate Change Conference in December.

The activists hope to pressurise leaders at the Bella Centre to reach a strong deal on global warming and also encourage individuals to take more responsibility.

Isabelle Ellis-Cockcroft, aged 18, of Bisley Road, Stroud, is one of only 23 people chosen to join the UK Youth Delegation, a UN-recognised group formed to include youngsters in the discussions.

"It could be the most important meeting in human history so I will give everything I have got and hopefully we can make a serious difference," said Isabelle, a member of Stroud Green Party and Transition Stroud.

Isabelle will be able to meet other youth delegates from across the world and make speeches in front of world leaders.

She also plans to present a petition from Stroud residents calling for a ‘fair, binding, ambitious deal’ to climate change secretary Ed Miliband.

Meanwhile, James Beecher, aged 25, of Gordon Terrace, Stroud, who is a member of eco-collaborative Bicycology Stroud, will take part in the ‘alternative summit’ out the outskirts of the centre.

He plans to cycle from London to Copenhagen, taking the ferry halfway.

James hopes to take part in lots of debates, including a ‘people’s summit’, involving delegates from the developing world.

The former Marling pupil will also show films on climate change using his pedal-powered cinema and help to make a piece of sustainable artwork from scrap bicycle parts.

Maidenhill pupil Annie Pickering, 15, will also cover the summit as a young journalist with development charity Plan UK.

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SEVERAL events are planned to help raise £2,000 to send both Isabelle and the Kenyan Youth Delegation to the conference.

Bicycology Stroud will present a pedal-powered film night at Stroud Valleys Artspace, John Street tomorrow, Thursday, November 26 at 7.30pm.

The evening, which has a suggested entrance donation of £5, will include four short films about climate change as well as discussions on the issue.

A benefit gig featuring the band Hot Feet will be held at Star Anise café in Gloucester Street on Saturday, November 28 at 7.30pm.

Tickets costing £5 are available from the café or Stroud Bookshop in the High Street.

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