Haligonians push for climate change

Social justice groups, labor councils, church groups, students and environmental organization came together Saturday to demand action on the environment.

Haligonians and people from around the province gathered to support the International Day of Climate action. Photo: Jose Ettiene Ortiz

About 100 people, many of them students, gathered on the Halifax Common Saturday, Oct. 24 to push for action on climate change.

The event was the Halifax part of the International Day of Climate Action, an event in which people in 181 countries came together in a worldwide day of action on the environment.

"We are here today because we are trying to create awareness and let our government know that we want action taken on climate change," said Jannelle Fraile, an organizer with the local branch of 350.org. "We want the federal government to have some strong plans when they go to Copenhagen in December. We are here for the same reason, because we all want strong action on climate change."

A Dalhousie student at the rally, held on a wet and dark afternoon, agreed.

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Students and other community members support the International Day of Climate Action. Video: Mauricio Planchart Navia

"I think that we have the opportunity to change the story of the future and with this kind of protest we can help this change occur. We need to send the politicians a message that we want a better future for the environment," said John Hill.

The event was to put pressure on global leaders at the United Nations' climate change conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, this December. "350" refers to 350 parts per million, the maximum concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere that scientists say the world can withstand to survive global warming.

350.org is a California-based environmental group that is trying to unite people around the world to find solutions to the climate crisis.

During the event, musicians and speakers participated in supporting the cause.

One of the speakers was Megan Leslie, the Member of Parliament for Halifax. She said that she voted in Parliament against delays in acting on climate change, causing emotional applause from the participants.

Fraile said a lot of students at local colleges and universities have helped to build support for the initiative.

"At Dalhousie, there was a flash mob where everyone took off their clothes and were in their bathing suits and they sang a song (about climate change). A great number of King's students showed up as well with some great signs to show their support."

The activity was organized by Oxfam, Council of Canadians - Atlantic Region, the Ecology Action Centre, the United Church of Canada - Maritimes Conference, Sierra Club of Canada and Halifax-Dartmouth & District Labour Council.

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