planet.

They were invited to join a worldwide network that highlights problems such as pollution, over-fishing and disappearing woodland.

The EarthAction network encourages people to write and phone politicians, pushing them for action on the environment and peace.

Following a visit to the Island by EarthAction speaker Ms Lois Barber, Bermudian environmental groups are considering signing up.

And individual residents can also play a part.

Ms Barber, international co-ordinator of EarthAction, spoke to a Hamilton Rotary lunch yesterday.

She recalled a statement made by underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau at the international Earth Summit in 1992, where EarthAction was launched.

He said that once someone had taken a look at nature, they fell in love with it.

Ms Barber said: "Here in Bermuda you have probably the best look at nature anywhere in the world, so if you protect your environment you can be a leader for the rest of the world.'' Bermuda was a "jewel of a place'', she added, paying tribute to the efforts of local Green campaigners.

She said every day people could become overwhelmed by the scale of problems facing the world.

For example, it was estimated that fishermen were now taking as much fish as the oceans could stand, and maybe even more.

Animals or plants were now becoming extinct at a rate possibly as high as one every 12 minutes.

Around 42,000 children under the age of one were dying every day from preventable diseases.

And human population could double to 11 billion by the year 2030, she said.

"It's expected that the planet will be unsustainable with 11 billion people on it, and that's not very far away.'' But although the problems were so big, she said, EarthAction helped people make a difference by arming them with information.

Ms Barber said the group worked like the human rights organisation Amnesty International, suggesting to people how to tackle their local politicians and get Green issues aired in their local media.

EarthAction worked mainly by encouraging local groups to join. It now had 850 member groups from 109 countries. Individuals could also join, she said.

"Policy makers have not done a very good job. What we need is for them to hear from ordinary folks, to give them that extra push.'' EarthAction has offices around the world and is funded mainly by family foundations and Scandinavian governments.

Ms Barber told The Royal Gazette no Bermudian organisation had yet joined EarthAction. But she thought that could change before her vacation on the Island was over.

Environmental campaigner Mr. Stuart Hayward is acting as her local contact.

"I think there are already some organisations interested,'' he said.

"She's spoken to members of several organisations and they have all expressed an interest.

"I wouldn't be surprised if within the next few weeks a number of local organisations do join up.'' Possible EarthAction members included the National Trust, Keep Bermuda Beautiful, the Audubon Society, the Biological Station and church groups, he said.