Oxfam Scotland has launched a massive year-long campaign to convince Prime Minister Gordon Brown to prioritise global action on climate change at UN meetings taking place in Copenhagen in December.

The campaign, Here and Now, calls on Brown to lead the way in the UN climate talks to make sure everyone gets a fair and safe deal to enable them to fight the human cost of climate change.

Oxfam is already seeing the impact of climate change in the communities its works with in countries around the world. Millions of people are struggling to cope with its consequences. They are losing their homes, livelihoods and lives. And the poorest, those least responsible for climate change and with the least resources to cope, are hit the worst.

The forecast is worse: a new report from Oxfam predicts that in six years' time, the number of people affected by crises related to climate change is set to rise by 54 per cent to 375 million people, threatening to overwhelm the humanitarian aid system.

Elvis Sukali of Oxfam Malawi, who launched the Here and Now campaign in the Prime Minister's Kirkcaldy constituency, said:

"Climate Change is about people, and people in my country are already suffering and losing their livelihoods because of it. It really is no exaggeration to say that, at this meeting of the UN in December, Gordon Brown and other world leaders have the opportunity to save lives and deliver a better future for everyone, not just the wealthiest countries."

K T Tunstall also leant her support to the campaign. She said:

"The human cost of climate change is becoming increasingly clear, which is why we in the UK must demand action and a change of attitude Here and Now. How often is there a real chance to save the world? Political leaders meeting in Copenhagen this year have the power to choose whether they attempt it or not, so it's crucial that Gordon Brown ensures that they grasp this opportunity before it's too late."

You can join the campaign and petition Gordon Brown directly by going to www.oxfam.org.uk/hereandnow or texting 'PM' to 87099. Standard network rates apply.