First of 375 marches around the world – 350 Christchurch

Playwright and narrator Simon Brown with the cast of ‘Earthy Earth and the forces of Doom’
From left: 2 Eco kids, Earthy Earth, Eco Warrior Princess, 2 Eco nurses, Mr Fossil Fuel Man and Stinky Methane Cow; Photo credits: Lauri Lee In-Jung Shore

Never before in New Zealand has a Climate March begun with a biting, funny satirical play which was enthusiastically embraced by the 900 – 1000 people who came Cathedral Square, Christchurch to demand government action on climate change.

The three speakers were ECan councilor Lan Phan, Its Our Future’s Gen de Spa and 350.org Christchurch’s Charles Drace. Delightful environmental music by Cathy Sweet and Haimona Hale.

Climate marches today were held in 375 cities over six continents on Donald Trump’s 100th day in office. The Christchurch People’s Climate Parade was the first in the world.

“The play set the scene for the whole day. The engaged crowd were tremendous with their responses, clapping and laughter,” said 350.org organiser Charles Drace. “The speeches also set a new tone to climate marches with their emphasis on the necessary moral and ethical and economic responses to climate change.”