CAMPAIGNERS gathered in Oxford as part of a worldwide day of action against climate change.

A march through the city centre on Saturday ended in Radcliffe Square where the 150-strong group demanded the Government act on carbon emissions.

The event was called ‘350’ in reference to what is believed to be a safe level of CO2 in the atmosphere.

Organiser Pete Barker, 45, from Nuneham Courtenay, said: “Scientists estimate that 350 parts per million is the safe maximum level of CO2 in the atmosphere.

“CO2 along with other greenhouse gases insulate the planet’s surface – too much and the climate becomes destabilised.

“We are currently at 385 parts per million and we are already seeing the effects with increased energy in the weather systems, droughts and famines affecting tropical regions such as India and Kenya, rapidly melting ice caps and the most vulnerable species disappearing, unable to adapt.”

Oxfordshire MPs Andrew Smith and Dr Evan Harris spoke to the rally, which was timed to coincide with 3,000 demonstrations in 158 countries ahead of climate talks in Copenhagen in December.

Mr Barker added: “It was very wet when we started so I’m quite surprised by how many people turned up.

“It was generally a successful day. It wasn’t so much a protest as an alarm call ahead of Copenhagen.

“It’s a tall order to reach 350 parts per million, but something needs to be done.

“The two MPs spoke very well about what they are doing in Parliament and steps they have taken and they both seemed up to speed on the science and politics of climate change.

“But politicians are good at saying things – we need them to do things.”

“Now is the time to play our part in the history of the planet. Everyone who cares about the future of life on Earth should be here for this and call on our leaders for an ambitious, fair, and binding global climate deal.”

Oxford University student Daniel Lowe said: “It was great to see Oxford residents and Oxford students coming together to respond as a community to the great threat of our time.”

For more information visit 350.org