Thousands marched to Confederation Building in St. John’s today as part of the Global March for Climate Change.
A portion of Prince Philip Drive was closed while thousands walked peacefully from Memorial University to Confederation Building, escorted by the RNC, to demand immediate action from government to address greenhouse gases and the impact they’re having on the environment.
They’re still coming. Thousands are here @VOCMNEWS #climatestrikecanada pic.twitter.com/jAxC3v2eGQ
— Richard Duggan (@RDugganVOCM) September 27, 2019
Organizers say decision makers have wronged younger generations for failing to take action on climate change.
A speaker told the crowd that government officials failed to act on the cod collapse, failed to act on a UN Report dating from the 1990s showing a global temperature rise of two degrees in the next 20 years, and failed to respond to NASA images showing dramatic glacial melt.
Some of the signs here at #climatestrikecanada pic.twitter.com/XFuYKRNm34
— 𝔸𝕟𝕕𝕣𝕖𝕨 ℍ𝕒𝕨𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣𝕟 (@hawthornandrewj) September 27, 2019
Organizers say the rally is not just about one thing—such as plastic bags. It’s much broader, as they say the province must reduce its reliance on fossil fuel.
Robin Whitaker of MUNFA, the union which represents academics at the university, says climate change is the defining issue of our time. She says they are displaying the MUNFA flag and showing their colours to support students, staff and faculty.
As well, another climate rally has been launched in Corner Brook. Hundreds gathered at Margaret Bowater Park for 12:30, marching through Corner Brook as they make their way to city hall.
Both marches are part of a global effort. Today, over 6,600 events are being held as part of the Global Climate Strike, across 170 countries around the world.
— Gerri Lynn Mackey (@GerriLynnMackey) September 27, 2019
While he voices of thousands of people were heard on Confederation Hill, one voice was noticeably absent. Premier Dwight Ball was not seen or heard from as thousands gathered to make a statement on climate action.
At one point the organizers of the event called on those in attendance to send emails to the Premier, demanding he act on climate change.
Organizers have asked what they say is a crowd of 4,000 people to take out their phones and all email the same thing to the Premier.
Declare a climate emergency.
Acknowledge the situation.
Move forward. pic.twitter.com/BB7vApwvEw— 𝔸𝕟𝕕𝕣𝕖𝕨 ℍ𝕒𝕨𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣𝕟 (@hawthornandrewj) September 27, 2019
Premier Ball says he was invited to attend but could not attend due to a prior commitment, as he was attending the Public Service Awards of Excellence.
He says he received between 1,300 to 1,400 emails during the rally.
Ball says climate change is a very important issue for his government, and says he’s extended an invitation to the organizers of the event to meet with him to discuss the topic.
“We want Dwight!” @VOCMNEWS #FridaysForFuture pic.twitter.com/X5IXEEJBWH
— Richard Duggan (@RDugganVOCM) September 27, 2019
Rally Grabs Attention of Global Advocate
Today’s rally in St. John’s even grabbed the attention of the young Swedish woman who has led the global charge on addressing climate change.
Greta Thunberg made an impassioned speech to the UN earlier this week, and is in Montreal joining in climate change marches.
She retweeted a picture taken from Confederation Building as protesters marched on Prince Philip Drive.
This is St Johns on Newfoundland!! #ClimateStrike #FridaysForFuture https://t.co/9i17BM8FOQ
— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) September 27, 2019
Thunberg, PM Meet
Thunberg met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today to discuss climate change. She says her message to him is the same as the one she’s given to other world leaders: “Just listen and act” on the current available science.
Trudeau says they have a plan for tree planting and reforestation, which includes the planting of two billion trees in cities and other locations that need it over the next decade. He says they also plan to work with Indigenous communities and support forest regeneration after wildfires.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is not impressed. He says Thunberg should know that Trudeau has not lived up to his promises on climate change.
He says Thunberg can meet with whom she likes, but points out that Trudeau initially promised to oppose the trans-mountain pipeline, but broke that promise by buying the pipeline and approving its expansion “the day after he declared a climate emergency.”
“Right here, right now is where we draw the line. The world is waking up. And change is coming, whether you like it or not.”
My full speech in United Nations General Assembly. #howdareyou https://t.co/eKZXDqTAcP— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) September 23, 2019
