Over 1,000 demonstrators formed a human hourglass on Sandymount Strand, Dublin on 13th June to demonstrate that time is running out for a global agreement for action on climate change.
The outline of an hourglass was formed by people holding pieces of blue paper which were distributed in the Metro newspaper. Demonstrators on the inside of the figure, holding up red sheets, ran through the narrow gap in the centre, in a representation of sand running through an hourglass. Participants then scattered in all directions, representing the hourglass exploding.
With just six months until the vital UN climate summit in Copenhagen, the Stop Climate Chaos coalition organised the event in order to call on the Irish government to play its part and commit to Copenhagen. Eco Congregation Ireland is an active member of Stop Climate Chaos, which campaigns to ensure Ireland plays its part in preventing runaway climate change. Other members include Trocaire, Christian Aid, Oxfam, Concern and Friends of the Earth.
The event was the biggest demonstration the coalition has organised since it was set up two years ago. It will host further events leading to the summit of world leaders in December, which aims to find a deal to replace the Kyoto Protocol.
To watch a video of the event see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqnEBtUFAdY. To find out more about Stop Climate Chaos, see www.stopclimatechaos.ie.