The Conservation Council of New Brunswick and Fredericton residents will join hundreds of thousands of people from across the world this weekend in a historic mass action to stop climate change and build an economy for the future.
A People’s Climate March will happen in Fredericton at the same time that an estimated quarter of a million people from around the globe are expected to descend on the streets of New York City and elsewhere for the largest climate mobilization in history on Sunday, Sept. 21.
“It’s important for all of us to join this historic march for climate justice. We want action for the people who will be most impacted by climate change. Too much is at stake,” says Julia Hansen, an organizer of the Fredericton march and one of dozens of youth expected to participate.
“Students, parents, grandparents, scientists, environmentalists, labour organizers and social justice activists are organizing for change and providing examples of ways to move to a fossil fuels-free future. Our march on Sunday will be a colourful expression of that hope for the future,” adds Hansen, a third year UNB nursing student.
The People’s Climate March coincides with the UN Climate Summit of world leaders in New York City on Sept. 23.
“Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has said he will not join the 125 heads of state attending the UN Secretary General’s Climate Summit. Maybe that’s a good thing. The Summit is about quick action to reduce carbon pollution. Harper is all about fast-tracking pipelines of bitumen and fracking for shale gas,” says Tracy Glynn with the Conservation Council of New Brunswick.
Fracking for shale gas and TransCanada’s Energy East pipeline are some of the projects in New Brunswick that people marching in Fredericton will highlight since both contribute to climate change and entail environmental and health impacts for people who live in the area.
“The climate mobilization this weekend promises to be unprecedented in its size, beauty and impact. Our future is on the line and it’s up to all of us to build a just, safe and more humane world. Join us,” encourages Glynn.
Details on People’s Climate March in Fredericton:
When: Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014 at 11:30 a.m.
Where: Fredericton City Hall (corner of York and Queen), march down Queen Street to NB Legislature.
What: People will gather with banners and signs outside Fredericton City Hall at 11:30 a.m. and march down Queen Street to the NB Legislature where they’ll hear from organizers working toward a just climate future.
Visit People’s Climate March for more details: peoplesclimatemarch.org
– 30 –
Tracy Glynn, Conservation Council of New Brunswick, forest@conservationcouncil.ca