PROTESTERS from Worcestershire gathered in London to demand a step-up in the fight against climate change.

With Christian Aid supporters from all over the UK, they formed an human map to demonstrate that nationwide support exists for a tough new international climate deal.

The rally marked the launch of Christian Aid’s Countdown to Copenhagen campaign, which says the new deal, to be discussed when the international community meets in Denmark next year, must prevent catastrophic climate change while ensuring the world’s poorest people still have the right to development.

Human map participant Dot Johnson, of Powick, said: “I attended this event because I’m a grandparent and a great-grandparent and I am looking to the future of children everywhere.

I am also thinking of third world countries – it is so unfair that they are hit first and worst by climate change, when it’s the rich countries which have brought about most of the problem.”

Alison Clarke, of Hallow, said: “We need to persuade rich countries to commit to a dramatic decrease in carbon emissions of at least 80 per cent by 2020.”

Christian Aid believes a deal must be reached at Copenhagen as it is anticipated that governments will then need two years to ratify it. The charity says it is essential the new agreement is in place by the time the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, which limits emissions for signatory states, ends in 2012.

For more details, visit christianaid.org.uk/copenhagen