Switching to crisis mode
Hundreds gather to demand action before it’s too late
TRURO, N.S. – Hundreds of people in Truro joined millions around the world in a fresh call for climate action.
People gathered at Truro’s Civic Square Friday to demand changes, including an end to fossil fuel development and more government support for renewable energy. They warn failure to act will result in more extreme weather, forest fires and the possible extinction of plants, animals and the human race as the planet heats up.
“Each and every one of us here is responsible for our future as a collective,” said Dallace Pash, one of the o rganizers. “It’s the responsibility of all to clean up our planet and make it a place for us all to live.”
Tanner Altenkirk, another organizer, hoped people in positions of power were listening.
“I’m here today because I know that change needs to be made and as a young person I don’t have as much power as adults do,” he said “It seems like adults are either unaware of this or are choosing not to act upon it.”
Recently, the Cobequid Educational Centre student called on Ottawa to stop subsidies to the oil industry.
While he acknowledged oil still forms a big part of Canada’s economy, Altenkirk called on adults to use their votes wisely to combat the climate crisis. “I can’t stress how critical it is that we need to start weaning off non-renewable resources,” he said.
Fellow CEC student Mia Perry said she was taking action to reduce her carbon footprint. She has been a vegetarian for the last five years.
“It’s not as hard as it seems, everyone will have to go vegetarian at some point or another down the road, so why not start now?” she said.
Chelsey De Bay said she’s also adopted a vegan diet. She tries to buy local food and reduce waste whenever possible.
Thurston Balley was carrying a cat mask to represent species that are endangered or have become extinct because of climate change.
“I try to help the environment by not taking long showers and turning everything off when I leave a room,” said the nineyear-old. “I’m trying to be vegan, too.
“I think whoever wins the election should plant a tree, work to save the rainforest and stop the pipeline.”
Tyrone Mclellan, 13, said he was attending the event because he knows change is needed now.
“I try to save power, use environmentally friendly products and don’t litter,” he said. “Who ever is elected should figure out a way to stop warming or slow it down. I don’t think most of them take it seriously.
Many parents and grandparents, fearful for their children’s future, attended the strike.
Among them was Janet Haynes, who came to the demonstration with her daughter Cydney and grandson Tay.
“I really enjoy my grandson,” said Haynes. “I want my grandson to have grandchildren and enjoy them as much as I enjoy him.”
Meantime, Kim Smith came to the strike on behalf of her young son Denver. She said she has reduced her single-use plastic consumption, shops at thrift stores and has her own vegetable garden.
She echoed calls for the federal government to stop supporting the fossil fuel industry and also wants an end to the dumping of toxic chemicals.
“I’m overwhelmed with the number of people who came and I’m proud of everyone who took part,” said Pash. “This makes me feel we’re being heard.”