More than 350 people gathered in Central Park for Sustainable Living Armidale’s ‘People's Climate Rally’ hosted in conjunction with the UN Climate Summit. 

Road to Armidale action group convenor Richelle Roberts said the turnout on Sunday was an incredible success and testament to the community’s commitment to a better future. 

“We didn’t think we would have enough people,” Ms Roberts said. 

“The Armidale community is really serious about action on climate change.”

Sustainable Living Armidale created a 60 metre petition that included messages and drawings from local schools and community members protesting and supporting the fight against climate change. 

Ms Roberts said it was an important conversation that the Armidale community needed to be having. 

“I appreciate climate change isn’t always an easy issue to confront,” Ms Roberts said.  “It elicits feelings of anxiety, dread, and sadness for so many people. 

“This isn’t just a fight for a better future; this is a fight for a future.

“It’s not just future generations who will be facing such challenges as there are 8.74 million other species living on this planet, either breathing air or creating it, and impacted by our actions and choices.” 

The environmental protection group have campaigned throughout the year in preparation for the UN Summit which was held in Paris on Monday. 

“This was our final event on the eve of the UN Climate Summit in Paris, and feedback of the day is that people have felt so warmed by the support and passion of the Armidale community for significant and real action on climate change, “ Ms Roberts said.    The group meets   on the first Thursday of the month for their monthly forum at Kent House from 7pm.