Countdown Begins to Worldwide Climate Protests

Canadians Unite to Demand a Real Deal at UN Climate Negotiations in Poland

Monday, December 1, 2008

Ottawa – On December 7, 2008, thousands will gather in communities across Canada to call for action to stop climate chaos. People across the country will urge Canada to show leadership by committing to deep emissions reductions at UN climate talks.

The Global Day of Action on Climate Change takes place as the world gathers in Poznan, Poland to begin the next round of global climate negotiations.

“It is well past time for Canada to take responsibility for its actions,” says Barbara Hayes, Director, Canadian Youth Climate Coalition. “The window of opportunity to act on climate change is closing, and we urge all Canadians to join the global community in demanding action from policy-makers and neighbours alike.”

“What legacy will we leave for future generations? Climate change could lead to the loss of half of the Earth's plant and animal species – animals such as the polar bear, threatened because of melting Arctic sea ice,” says Mike Buckthought, National Climate Change Campaigner, Sierra Club Canada.

Leading organizations from across Canada have come together to mobilize people from coast to coast to coast to defend their rights for a healthy and just future. In Canada, the December 7 Day of Climate Action is endorsed by Sierra Club Canada, Greenpeace, Canadian Youth Climate Coalition, Conservation Council of New Brunswick, KAIROS, Council of Canadians, Ecology Action Centre, Pembina Institute, QuébecKyoto, Équiterre, National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), SFUO and other organizations across the country.

Actions are being organized in St. John’s, Halifax, Moncton, Fredericton, Woodstock, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Guelph, Waterloo, London, Owen Sound, Regina, Edmonton, Calgary, Kamloops, Vancouver and other cities from coast to coast. Events include a photography exhibit, talks, films and marches.

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For more information about the December 7 Day of Climate Action in Canada go to:

www.sierraclub.ca/climatecrisis/

  • Mike Buckthought, National Climate Change Campaigner, Sierra Club Canada, 613-241-4611 x235
  • Barbara Hayes, Director, Canadian Youth Climate Coalition, 613-255-5724 (cell)