Islamic Relief Event
People of all faiths and none unite in call to ‘Cut the Carbon’
04/09/07

This week saw hundreds of people of all backgrounds, and from across the West Midlands unite in calling for action on climate change.  On Bank Holiday Monday 27th August 2007, Birmingham’s Millennium Point staged the rally, jointly organised by Christian Aid & Islamic Relief.

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		Interesting Facts The Kyoto Protocol The Kyoto Protocol is an agreement made under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Countries that ratify this protocol commit to reduce their emissions of carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases. By 2008-2012, Annex I countries have to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by a collective average of 5% below their 1990 levels. Notable exceptions include the United States and Australia. Other countries, like India and China, which have ratified the protocol, are not required to reduce carbon emissions under the present agreement.

Photo: Abdul Malik Griffiths ARPS Lemar performing on stage

Muslim group SHAAM, R&B singer Lemar, and Giovanni “Spoz” Esposito (known as Birmingham’s own Poet Laureate) all took park in the festivities and entertained the crowd.  “Spoz” even wrote the below poem especially for the event.

“Where’s the Summertime Gone?”

Summertime...ha! What summertime?
With houses being flooded by rain, rivers and slime
While governments condone acts of environmental crime by their lack of action
Living ain’t easy…and fish ain’t jumping
‘Cause this water ain’t for drinking
It’s just for pumping…
Out of your living room and out of your kitchen



Nationwide march

Eighteen people are marching from Northern Ireland to London, in order to highlight the devastating effects of climate change on the worlds poor.  The Birmingham rally was one of several points nationwide at which they stopped to participate in pre-organised festivities.

Carnival atmosphere

Photo: Abdul Malik Griffiths ARPS Christian Aid & Islamic Relief March Together

This was a lovely day with a carnival atmosphere, but which had a very serious message.  Many of the hundreds of marchers brought placards calling on the government to take action on the vital issue of climate change.

Ravaged by drought…….AND by floods

One marcher, Mohammed Adow, from Kenya told how some women must walk miles in his country to access water.  “My country has been ravaged by drought and floods” he said.  “It’s time to tackle the root cause of climate change rather than just respond to the consequences”

It’s not just ‘over there’

The recent floods in the UK have shown that climate change is a problem not just in the ‘third world’; but one that we are facing right on our own doorstep.

Strength in Unity

Photo: Abdul Malik Griffiths ARPS Islamic Relief's UK Manager speaks of the need for action on climate change

Jehangir Malik, UK Manager for Islamic Relief said: “People of faith and no faith, Muslims and Christians, governments and people must all unite on this issue.”

This call was echoed by Uzma Mukhtar, who attended the event.  She said:

“The rally proved once again that people of all faiths and no faith have shared concerns about how we are living, and the impact we are having on others.  It was a wonderful testament to what can be achieved when different sections of the community come together”.

Another person who attended the rally said: “A load of people, from different backgrounds, marched through Birmingham on a gloomy bank holiday Monday, united by a desire to save the planet.  Being a part of it reaffirmed my faith in humanity.”