Countries devastated by global warming represented at WOMAD line-up

At this year's WOMAD festival (27-29 July) Christian Aid is asking visitors to join its Climate Changed campaign as they listen to acts from developing countries which are struggling to adapt to the devastating effects of climate change.

Many acts at the festival come from countries that are hit the worst by global warming. Baaba Maal and Daara J's home country of Senegal has experienced a 30-40 per cent drop in rainfall since the 1970s, which has destroyed farmers' livelihoods. Mali, the birthplace of Tinariwen and Vieux Farka Toure, has also suffered extreme drought resulting in food shortages.

It's predicted Trilok Gurtu's home country India could see a rise in temperatures by as much as four degrees in the next 50 years, which would result in an increase in heat-related deaths, and the spread of diseases such as malaria and dengue fever.

The Christian Aid Climate Changed campaign is calling on the UK Government to ensure the new Climate Bill includes a target for CO2 emission cuts of at least 80 per cent by 2050. It is also calling for the mandatory reporting of CO2 emissions by companies trading in the UK.

Nazmul Chowdhury from Christian Aid's partner organisation, Practical Action in Bangladesh, said: 'Forget about making poverty history. Climate change will make poverty permanent.'

Christian Aid works in 50 developing countries with some of the poorest communities, helping them to adapt to the effects of climate change.

Festival goers will also be able to find out how to join Christian Aid's 1,000-mile 'Cut the Carbon' march which runs until 2 October. It is the longest protest march in UK history taking in 70 towns across the UK before ending in London. For more information about the rallies in Edinburgh, Newcastle, Leeds, and London as well as concerts in Birmingham and Cardiff visit www.christianaid.org.uk and www.pressureworks.org

You can also join the Facebook group 'Cut the Carbon March' at www.facebook.com and take part in the march online.

Christian Aid is also offering FREE mobile charging on site using wind and solar energy from Equiclimate.

There will be a 'text' competition with lots of prizes including a weekend away in an eco-retreat in a tepee, guides to a greener lifestyle from Greenbooks, free tickets to music gigs, an extreme power kite, and ethical clothing worth £300. To enter the competition, text 'Carbon', your name and what you have done to cut the carbon to 84880.

For more information about the WOMAD festival visit www.womad.org

For more information or pictures contact Kati Dshedshorov on 07984 185838 or kdshedshorov@christian-aid.org

Notes to Editors:

Christian Aid is calling on the UK Government to ensure the new Climate Bill includes: · a target for UK CO2 emission cuts of at least 80 per cent on 1990 levels by 2050, so we play our fair part in keeping global warming below 2˚C

· the introduction of mandatory reporting of CO2 emissions by companies trading in the UK.

Christian Aid also wants the UK to take the lead in calling for a UN agreement on climate change that works for the world's poor and will cut rich countries' CO2 emissions by at least 80 per cent by 2050.

Christian Aid works in some of the world's poorest communities in more than 50 countries. We act where the need is greatest, regardless of religion, helping people build the life they deserve.