SASKATOON – The COP21 climate change summit may be happening in Paris, but that isn’t stopping Saskatonians from making their voices heard.
“Saskatoon might seem like an off place to talk about something that is happening in Paris, but of course the subject matter in Paris directly affects everyone in the world and generations to come,” said rally organizer Rachel Malena-Chan.
Almost 350 people gathered on Sunday afternoon at the Vimy Ridge memorial in Kiwanis Park to march and rally for meaningful results at the conference, which takes place from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11.
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A similar protest also took place in Regina at city hall.
“We should be looking at moving to renewables as an opportunity for innovation for creating new types of jobs. Maybe even protect ourselves from the sort of economic fluctuations that are associated with the fossil fuel industries,” said a rally participant.
“A lot of money is going into green technology. To switch our focus from fossil fuels into more of a greener, sustainable economy,” said rally participant Rene Krewtzwieser.
Climate scientists, faith and indigenous leaders, and environmental supporters say they marched across the Broadway Bridge to Oskayak High School to send a clear message to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall.
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“We’re here to set that conversation today and say that we need to quickly transition our economy away from fossil fuels, we need to start thinking long-term, we need to start working together, and we need to start acting in solidarity with the people who know how to do that,” said Malena-Chan.
Only time can tell what the outcomes of the Paris climate summit will be, but those at the rally want a concrete plan that will lead to decisive action.
Rally organizers are using #Saskatoon2Paris via Twitter to build social media support.
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