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UEL student sets off on 80-day nationwide walk to save the planet

Friday 13 July 2007

Simon White, a student of International Development at the University of East London (UEL), today set off on a 80-day odyssey walking around the UK to campaign for Christian Aid and the proposed Climate Change Bill.

Simon White (20) from East Ham is one of twenty Christian Aid volunteers from all parts of the world taking part in the ‘Cut the Carbon’ march. Starting in Northern Ireland on 14 July, the Cut the Carbon march will last 80 days, cover 1,000 miles, and see marchers from rich countries and poor spread our cut the carbon message to companies and politicians.

Aiming to raise awareness on global warming, the main target of the demonstration will be the new climate change bill which the government proposes to make in November. The March climaxes at the London Stock Exchange on 2 October, with several major rallies and smaller local events along the way.

Simon said: “The aim of our protest is to encourage people to lobby for their environment and to persuade the government to cut emissions by 2050 by at least 60% but ideally by 80% and make businesses reduce their carbon quota by 5% each year until 2020.”

“On our journey we will also have the opportunity to discuss the issues of climate change with politicians and hopefully to meet the new Prime Minister, Gordon Brown. It is not too late to do something now, but it will be too late soon if we carry on the same way.”

Christian Aid claims a 60% reduction in carbon emission would be enough to stop climate change as British companies make up 15% of all business around the world.

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For details and pictures contact Patrick Wilson: 020 8223 2061 or 07951 797 975

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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