Greenpeace protest aims to fire up Congress over global warming
A GREENPEACE CAMPAIGN ON GLOBAL WARMING TARGETS THE SHAW-KLEIN RACE
BY DARRAN SIMON
dsimon@MiamiHerald.com
They sat in the sand in the shape of the state of Florida with the southern tip dipping into the ocean. They raised their hands as a helicopter hovered above taking photos.
Below the southern tip of Florida, bodies spelled out, ``Save our State.''
From above people also formed a head and hand engulfed by the water holding an umbrella. The words: ''Stop Global Warming'' is etched in the sand. The pieces of ''human art'' crafted Saturday at John U. Lloyd Beach State Park in Hollywood was an attempt to call attention to global warming.
Environmental activists also hope to encourage the local candidates running for Congress to tackle the issue if they get elected on Tuesday. Saturday's event was focused on the 22nd Congressional District, where incumbent Republican Clay Shaw faces challenges from state Sen. Ron Klein, a Boca Raton Democrat, and Libertarian Neil Evangelista.
''We are at a very critical time for addressing the problem of global warming,'' said Scott Cardiff, an organizer with Project Hot Seat, a Greenpeace campaign. ``We need congressional action on the issue immediately.''
Project Hot Seat organized Saturday's gathering on the beach, drawing more than 300 people. It was one of several environmental events scheduled to take place Saturday in five other congressional districts in Pennsylvania, Washington state, Michigan and Vermont.
People also turned out in Australia, London and elsewhere on the International Day of Action. Events were held days before the Nairobi Climate Talks this week in Kenya.
Project Hot Seat and volunteers plan to deliver the enlarged photos of the aerial art from John U. Lloyd Beach to the campaign offices of the three local candidates on Monday.
Global warming is the increase in the average global temperature caused by the emission of greenhouse gases, which are produced through the burning of fossil fuel such as oil and coal. Activists want lawmakers to increase energy efficiency and car mileage standards; increase the use of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, and limit the quantity of greenhouse gases that the country produces, Cardiff said.
They are also seeking support for the federal Safe Climate Act, which would set standards for reducing greenhouse emissions.
''If we do not take effective action, we could be facing drastic consequences,'' he said.
Saturday's event drew college students, families and others.
''The politicians should hear us. They need to focus on this,'' said Oliver Lobo, a junior at Nova Southeastern University majoring in business administration. Lobo learned more about global warming after taking an environmental science class. He was so drawn to the issue that he chose it as the topic for his speech class presentation.
''It really opened my eyes,'' he said standing on the beach.
Meanwhile, Brian K. Lewis had been in tune with the environment for more than 25 years. Lewis, who lives in Plantation, is an elected supervisor for the Broward Soil and Water Conservation District.
''This issue stands as the single largest threat to human civilization,'' he said.
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