Climate Strike Vancouver: 5 things to know
Credit to Author: Tiffany Crawford| Date: Thu, 26 Sep 2019 18:59:03 +0000
Thousands of people are expected to crowd into the streets around Vancouver’s city hall on Friday as part of the global climate strike.
Last Friday, millions of demonstrators filled streets in major cities around the world to protest government inaction to deal with the climate crisis. Vancouver’s day of global action is set for Friday. Here are five things to know about the strike.
People gather during the Global Climate Strike march at Foley Square in New York September 20, 2019.
Friday marks the final day of a week-long global action to demand urgent measures be taken to cut carbon emissions to slow global heating. Last Friday, similar rallies were held in major cities around the world. Organizers estimated more than four million people worldwide took part. It was the biggest protest ever against the threat posed by climate change. On Friday it’s Vancouver’s turn, and many schools, businesses, and labour unions are taking part. More than 15,000 people are expected to show up. But that number could be much higher given the turnout in other cities last Friday.
Momentum for this global action began with Swedish teen climate activist Greta Thunberg, who began Fridays for Future, a campaign to go on strike from school every Friday until action is taken to drastically cut emissions. Several months ago, the movement called on adults to join them in protest on Sept. 20 and Sept. 27. Thunberg will speak at Montreal’s rally on Friday.
Vancouver city hall. The city recently voted to join other municipalities such as Los Angeles and London in declaring a climate emergency.
The strike is set to begin at noon Friday, Sept. 27 at Vancouver City Hall, located at 453 West 12th Avenue.
People gather during the Global Climate Strike march at Foley Square in New York September 20, 2019.
Yes. A city spokesperson said they are working with Vancouver police and event organizers to ensure that city hall is safe and accessible for the peaceful assembly. The VPD says it is aware of the strike and also working with organizers. Police will try to reduce any impact the protests may have on traffic, local businesses, and the public. The VPD says it has a plan to deal with any situations that may arise. VPD spokesman Sgt. Aaron Roed says they are not releasing their exact route, but will allow them to peacefully protest. Likely the roads affected will be around city hall, including Cambie Street, West 12th and possibly West 10th avenues.
Climate change protesters are seen crossing the Victoria Bridge during the Global Strike 4 Climate rally in Brisbane, Australia, September 20, 2019.
It depends on your employer and/or your school. Some businesses like Lush Cosmetics, Mountain Equipment Co-op and the Refillery in Port Moody have said they will close to allow employees to attend the strike. Many school districts and the universities have said they support students and staff deciding to join. Some school districts have sent out letters asking parents to let the school know if their children don’t plan to attend school Friday. Many labour unions are also supporting the action so if you are part of a union you may want to check in with your representative. The Canadian Labour Congress put out a statement saying it stands in solidarity with the students.
Scientists agree that human-caused carbon emissions are contributing to global heating.
In 2018, the UN Intergovernmental Panel report on climate change warned that unless the global average temperature increase is held to 1.5 degrees C, there will be catastrophic change to the planet, including increased drought, famine, wildfires, and massive species extinction.
On Wednesday, another IPCC report on oceans and ice warned the oceans are warming faster than predicted and could rise up to 1.1 metres or more by 2100. It warned that the rising temperatures will mean oceans will have less oxygen and more acidification, which will mean the extinction of many species of fish.
While the declaration of a climate emergency is largely symbolic, some municipalities are using it to set aggressive new targets for greenhouse gas emission limits.
Many Metro Vancouver municipalities have declared a climate emergency, while the region supports achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
— with Postmedia files
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