A PEACEFUL march and sit-in will be held on Portland as part of a global call for action on climate change.

Ahead of a UN climate summit in New York, campaigners across the globe will be taking part in People’s Climate Marches and events urging those in power to take action.

On Portland campaigners have organised an hour’s sit-in on the esplanade at Chesil Cove, just down from Quiddles Cafe, on Sunday from 2pm to 3pm.

The event will be a chance for people to make their feelings on the issue known, by sitting peacefully for an hour and thinking about the environment, both in Dorset and around the world.

The event has been organised by friends Linda Shannon, Jennie Bayliss and Sian Alcock.

Mrs Shannon said it was a chance for people to make their voices heard both nationally and internationally.

She said: “We all feel very passionate about the environment and especially living in this beautiful area. We want to see it protected for generations to come.”

She added: “Really we just wanted to be counted and make our voices heard.”

Mrs Shannon said Chesil Cove was chosen because of its beautiful setting. She added that everyone is welcome to join them for the peaceful event.

Before the sit-in, a separate People’s Climate March has been organised walking from Portland Bill to Chesil Cove.

Everyone is invited to meet at the Bill lighthouse at 12noon to join the peaceful march.

The climate summit, which starts on September 23, was called by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

A spokesman for the UN said that climate change was not a far-off problem, it was having consequences on people’s lives right now.

He said: “UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has invited world leaders, from government, finance, business, and civil society to Climate Summit 2014 this September 23 to galvanize and catalyze climate action. “Climate Summit 2014 provides a unique opportunity for leaders to champion an ambitious vision, anchored in action that will enable a meaningful global agreement in 2015.”

For more information on the march from Portland Bill call Cindy on 01305 823825 or for more information on the sit-in call Jennie on 01305 821799.