AN OXFAM worker who has experienced the effects of climate change first-hand will today set off for the Copenhagen summit — on foot.

Pushpanath Krishnamurthy, who is known as Push, plans to raise awareness of issues surrounding climate change as he goes, and is inviting people to join him for part of his journey.

The 57-year-old will walk more than 120 miles to Parkeston in Harwich over 10 days, then take a ferry to Esbjerg, in Denmark, where he will walk another 250 miles to Copenhagen, arriving in time for the UN summit on climate change in mid-December.

Mr Krishnamurthy, who has worked for Oxfam for 26 years and lived in Oxford since 2001, said: “For the last three years, I have been travelling across the world among developing countries, especially ones directly impacted by climate variability.

“Some of the poorest people who have done the least to contribute to the problem are paying the highest price.

“I felt like I had to do something about it myself.”

The charity worker was born in Bangalore and has worked in India, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Vietnam and the Balkans during his time at Oxfam.

He will be staying with well-wishers along the way, many of whom are staff or volunteers at Oxfam shops, and already has promises of a bed for six of the 10 nights he will be spending in the UK.

He will visit schools, activists and churches on the way.

Mr Krishnamurthy, who lives in Wilkins Road, Cowley, said: “Direct action is important. This is my cry for justice.

“I think individuals do matter and I believe I can reach out to people, particularly young people, in this country, who are conscious and worried.”

He said he intended to spread the word by telling stories and recounting what he had seen — ranging from un-seasonal droughts and lost harvests in Kenya, to severe flooding in Bangladesh.

He added: “This planet was given to me by my parents in a far better condition than it is now, so in a way this walk is a bit of redemption.

“I’m just a regular Joe trying to do something.”

The main reason for the walk is to raise awareness, but he is also collecting money for Oxfam and has so far raised £435.To follow his progress, visit gopushgo.com. To sponsor him, visit justgiving.com/gopushgo