CAMPAIGNERS canoed their way down to London’s Thames Barrier to draw attention top climate change. They paddled their way to the Barrier ahead of the UN Climate Change conference in Copenhagen in December which is looking for a solution to rising global temperatures

By Mike Brooke

CAMPAIGNERS canoed their way down to London's Thames Barrier to draw attention to climate change.

Members of Tower Hamlets canoe club paddled their way from East London's Shadwell Basin outdoor activity centre to the Barrier at Silvertown, ahead of the UN Climate Change conference in Copenhagen in December which is looking for a solution to rising global temperatures.

One of the canoe activists, Liz Sheridan, said: "We staged our small demo as a reminder of the threats London might face if our politicians cannot reach agreement in Copenhagen."

It was part of a day of action last weekend with events around Britain by a 'grassroots' campaign called 350, the name representing 350 parts per million which scientists identify as the safe upper limit for CO2 in the atmosphere. The present level is well above at 387 parts.

Only the Thames Barrier sits between central London and potentially disastrous flooding caused by rising sea levels. The Environment Agency estimates the Barrier having to close as many as 30 times a year by 2030 to protect London, in contrast to today's average of four or five times.