On October 1, For Our Grandchildren collaborated on a rally at Confederation Park as part of National Seniors Climate Action Day. More than 70 events took place across the country. More than 80 people rallied in Confederation Park in Peterborough as reported in the Examiner.
We met to encourage people to get involved in supporting the city’s new Climate Change Action Plan expected to be presented to council early in 2025.
Washboard Hank warmed up the crowd singing environmental songs that fit the theme of the event that Later is Too Late.
Dr. Stephen Hill, professor of environmental studies at Trent, spoke to us of the dangers of inaction. His theme was that the problem is huge, and it is overwhelming to know what to do, but he summed up by saying that everyone needs to “Do Something, Somewhere, Soon.“
Charlie Michener spoke on behalf of young people and reminded us that they are inheriting the world we seniors have been messing up and asking us to agree that “we all need to chip in to reverse the damage“.
Diane Therrien, ex-mayor of Peterborough, spoke of how we need to pressure the mayor and individual councillors to support the upcoming CCAP2.0. She reminded us that it’s important to go beyond our comfort zone of talking to councillors who are already supportive and to confront councillors even if we think they are not likely to support the plan.
The Raging Grannies played us out with a rousing rendition of “Do It Now”
During the event we handed out these pamphlets that explain that Climate is not only about the Crazy Weather, it “hurts your wallet and your health“. If you would like some of these pamphlets to help start a conversation with your friends and neighbours, contact us.
You can see some of the photos we took at the event below. If you took pictures, please send them along.
At 4RG we are considering this event to be the kickoff of our campaign to lobby city councillors to support the municipal Climate Change Action Plan 2.0. The first Climate Action Plan was accepted by council in 2016 but it provided only general directions and not specific actions. As a result very little has been done. The new plan will contain specific actions and, most importantly, will present costs and savings for the community.
Dr. Hill’s advice is to do Something, Somewhere, Soon. For 4RG, this will be to Lobby city councillors to support the new Climate Change Action Plan, and to do it Here, and Now.
To be successful we will need lots of help from other citizens. If you are willing to join us in this, please contact us and let us know that you would like to be involved. Please specify your ward if you know it and we will get back to you with our plans.