A global day of action to highlight the need for responsible stewardship of the environment brought a student-led protest to the front door of the US Consulate in Bermuda.

Around the world on the 30th annual Earth Day people were asked to celebrate and promote a healthy environment and a peaceful, and sustainable future.

For many that meant staging peaceful protests against US President George W. Bush’s withdrawal from the Kyoto Protocol aimed at addressing climate change by curbing greenhouse gas emissions.

Outside the US Consulate in Devonshire a group staged an afternoon protest calling on the US to sign up to the Kyoto Protocol.

Although the number of protesters was small, and the Consulate was not open, organiser Caitlin O’Doherty was happy to have taken positive action on a cause she believes in and succeeding in garnering encouragement from passing motorists who honked their horns in support.

The 13-year-old from Bermuda High School for Girls staged the peaceful protest as part of an international day of climate action having been asked to assist by Bermuda’s Greenpeace activist Lisa Vickers, who flew to London for protests there.

Caitlin did some research using the Internet to acquaint herself with the Kyoto situation and invited fellow students to take part.

Although the turnout was small there was encouragement from motorists who were asked to honk their horns if they supported the protest.

“I’ve always been interested in the environment and went to the Young Round Square of The Americas conference in Alberta, Canada last year which got me thinking that I could do something,” said Caitlin.

One of the things she has done since is post daily tips on a school notice board and website giving students and teachers ideas about how they can be more environmentally friendly.

After Saturday afternoon’s protest she said: “It has empowered me and shown that I can make some difference rather than just sit back.”

She is looking forward to next year when Bermuda will host the Young Round Square of The Americas conference that encourages students to learn and become involved in international events ranging from democratic processes to the environment.