A climate of change is on the agenda at environment event.

Byline: Dominic Jones

WALES' first climate camp will open today with around 200 protesters campaigning about the dangers of global warming.

Climate camps have been taking place across Europe and campaigners insist the event, starting today at Ffos-y-fran in Merthyr Tydfil, is aimed at educating people, rather than the mass actions and clashes with police seen at previous events.

The camp will offer a programme of discussions, workshops and children's activities over four days at the site chosen as a platform for its anti-fossil fuel stance.

Demonstrations of renewable energy will be taking place, with anyone interested invited to join the 200 campers gathered to inform people about the dangers of global warming.

Residents Against Ffos-y-Fran (RAFF) has given its backing to the event, with chairman Terry Evans saying he welcomed and supported the campers.

RAFF member Alison Austin said: "I'm looking forward to the camp raising awareness of the damage being caused to the Earth's climate by coal burning.

"Everyone I have talked to says that it's a good thing that the camp is coming to Merthyr and they are excited about the positive effect it could have in getting the message through."

Describing the camp as a colourful mix of practical, theoretical and protest-orientated workshops, a spokesman for the campers clarified the intended message.

He said: "This is not about killing off employment in the coal industry, it is about replacing short-term jobs with long-term jobs.

"Coal will go, at the rate they propose extracting in Ffos-y-fran it will be gone in less than the 10 years predicted.

"Green jobs are here for good, jobs producing food, renewable energy, repairs, local services, building and manufacturing for local use are the future, we should be building it now."

A spokeswoman for South Wales Police said: "We have been made aware of a protest possibly taking place in the next couple of weeks in the South Wales Police area.

"No specific details have been given to us yet.

"We have a responsibility to safeguard the right to peaceful protest and a responsibility to safeguard the rights of individuals to carry out their lawful business.

"We must balance these responsibilities to ensure a proportionate police response.

"We will be working with any parties involved to ensure the safety of the public and those involved."

Entry is free to the Climate Camp, which runs from today until Sunday, with free transport available from Merthyr Tydfil railway station.

Tomorrow there will be a Friends of the Earth awareness day in Merthyr town centre, with stalls to encourage learning and having fun.