By Owen Boss
Staff Writer
NORTHAMPTON - At least the irony of huddling together in the freezing cold to raise awareness about global warming wasn't lost on the brave souls who participated in a candlelight vigil Friday evening.
Those in attendance sang songs, shared ideas and rang the church's bell in an attempt to generate a public discussion about global warming and to let area residents know that people in their community care about the issue.
The gathering in front of First Churches, which was organized by the nonprofit group 350.org and the World Council of Churches, was just one of many taking place across the globe this week as world leaders gather to take part in the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, according to Tina Clarke, a representative for 350.org.
"The idea here was that we wanted to present a public witness to the global warming crisis that we are in," Clarke said. "Compared to where we were three years ago, we have moved very fast and very far, and it is exciting to see what might happen."
The nonprofit group is committed to getting the world's carbon count down from 390 parts-per-million back to 350 ppm, a level scientists have deemed safe for the planet.
Jenny Fleming-Ives, who belongs to the Hampshire Interfaith Environmental Network and helped organize the vigil, said she was pleased to see so many people braving the elements.
"We want to stand with the negotiators in Copenhagen and send a message to our political leaders that people care about climate action and want to see more work on this," Fleming-Ives said, "and also to stand in solidarity around the world and say we want a plan that is fair and just."
Owen Boss can be reached at oboss@gazettenet.com
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