Pedal now or paddle later warn activists

Campaigning canoeists in Norwich recently acted out a scenario of the future in a world of climate change.

Strollers along Riverside would have been surprised to see a young city gent in dark suit and bowler paddling furiously up the Wensum towards Pulls Ferry. In the back was a slim bearded figure in broad-brimmed Aussie hat with hanging wooden beads.

Some half a length behind came Nadia Rose, a student at Notre Dame High School (see picture right), steered by Duane Elkins, pastor at the New Hope Christian Centre, in sombrero and dark glasses.

Eldred Willey of Christian Aid (pictured right with Pete McAllen by EDP) said: "We were inspired to put on this event by a photograph of people canoeing through Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, during the floods of 1998. For them, this is already real, and it could become real for Norwich too." 
 

Adrian Ramsay, convenor of Norwich City Council's Green group, also joined the campaigners, who were dressed in unusual hats to symbolise countries already suffering the effects of climate change.

What the canoeists said:

Simon Court, Norwich Diocese Environmental Group.

"I work as a supply teacher and have to travel around Norfolk to get to school. A canoe might come in very handy in a future Norfolk with our transport routes flooded. If we all paddle in the same direction we can work to cut our carbon emissions. "

Adrian Ramsay, Green Party leader.

"Canoeing through Norwich is an opportunity to show the effects that climate change and subsequent sea level rise will have on many parts of the world, including low-lying Norfolk. The heavy rain in late June has affected many parts of the UK badly. Flooding will become even more common as climate change takes hold."