People around Otago are being encouraged to get in behind a global climate change march to demand a ban on fossil fuels and a transition to renewable energy.
Events in cities across 150 countries will take place this weekend, including in Dunedin, Queenstown, Wanaka and Alexandra, ahead of a global climate change summit in Paris next week.
The goal is to put pressure on world leaders for Earth to be run on 100% renewable energy by 2050.
The protests are a collaboration of about 30 organisations in New Zealand, including 350 Aotearoa, Greenpeace, Forest and Bird and New Zealand Youth Delegation.
National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research scientist Dr Richard McKenzie, of Alexandra, said the idea of the march was to raise awareness about climate change.
''It's time for the silent majority to stand up against the disproportionately vocal `climate change deniers' who are living in a fools' paradise that will condemn future generations.''
The Tertiary Education Union was also behind the rally.
TEU national president Dr Sandra Grey said the Government had dismissed a scientific report into rising sea levels, and urged the public to show support.
''By dismissing those scientists and their work, [deputy prime minister] Bill English is not only ignoring strong evidence, he is risking our future,'' Dr Grey said.
''It is not speculative.''
Otago climate marches
Saturday
Alexandra, cnr of Tarbert St and Centennial Ave, 9am
Sunday
Dunedin, Dental School, 1pm; Wanaka, Roys Bay Recreational Reserve (Dinosaur Park), 1pm; Queenstown, Frankton Camping Ground, 1.30pm.
