With two events planned for the day, organizers of the Prince George climate strike were delighted with the turnout.
Today (Friday), close to 100 people gathered outside of City Hall to increase awareness about climate change, along with the inaction by the various levels of government in countering the effects caused by climate change.
“It’s really to get their attention, as well as showing our communities that young people are wanting action and demanding it in the form of peaceful protest,” Mackenzie Kerr, the Green Party’s candidate for the Cariboo-Prince George riding for the October 21 Federal Election, told MyPGNow.
The second event for the day was then held at the site of Mr. PG at the intersection of Highways 16 and 97.
Despite the industrial-based economy that Northern BC has developed itself, Kerr thinks residents are hesitant to experience change.
“It’s not accessible and affordable enough yet for us to transition to something such as electric cars. The more we can be talking about that at a government level, the easier it will be for us to access it. I personally drive a truck, I totally get it, we live in Northern BC. I grew up on a farm and needed to have it. A lot of the time we have reasons but I think as we transition off of fossil fuels, renewable energy will become more affordable and accessible, and that’s what we’re here telling the government to support.
Kerr adds that a lot fo the time it’s not the everyday consumer’s fault.
“It’s the way our system is set up,” said Kerr. “We’re very dependent on it. This is a way for us to say that we need big change, system change, and not just individuals banning straws.”
This week is Climate Strike Week with events and gatherings going on across the globe.
Greta Thunberg, a Swedish 16-year-old, started the climate strikes and is currently in the United States. According to Kerr, events such as those held in Prince George are supporting Thunberg and her fight against climate change.
Thunberg will be in Quebec next week.
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