On Sunday, Nov. 29 Rossland will participate in a global event to demand action against climate change.
The West Kootenay EcoSociety will be holding a climate vigil outside the Rossland Public Library at 12:30 p.m. the day before the Paris UN climate summit “to demand Canada does its fair share in reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to 100% renewable energy, as well as supporting the most vulnerable people around the globe.”
“What we’re doing is in solidarity [and] in support for … the climate action summit, and we’re just wanting to support it and show our solidarity from our little place in Rossland,” says Jayne Doxtater, local EcoSociety organizer in Rossland.
A petition will circulate during the rally, asking people to sign to show their support for reducing emissions and moving to 100 per cent renewable energy sources.
There will be several speakers at the event. Doxtater says she’ll start things off and then Mayor Kathy Moore and one of the councillor will hopefully speak (though as of Friday, this wasn’t yet confirmed).
“With our newly elected government in Ottawa, I am finally hopeful and encouraged that Canada will take a leadership role to address the challenges of climate change. Many thanks to the West Kootenay EcoSociety for organizing this event. It’s a small gesture of Rossland’s support for real change,” said Mayor Moore in a press release for the event.
Doxtater also says she’s trying to arrange for a religious leader to participate.
Information regarding the Paris summit will be available at the rally and there will be an update from the EcoSociety’s community organizer Montana Burgess, who will be in Paris for the summit.
“I’m excited to have the privilege to be in Paris for the summit and the climate march,” Burgess said in the press release. “In the wake of the horrific attacks on Friday in Paris and Beirut, it’s more important than ever that we stand together for justice, peace and dealing with the climate crisis at home in the Kootenays and around the world.”
There was supposed to be a climate march in Paris on Nov. 29, but after the terrorist attacks authorities decided to cancel the event. Other rallies will still be taking place across the globe.
Though the start time for the vigil here in Rossland is 12:30 p.m., Doxtater says they will probably start gathering outside the library at noon with live musical entertainment.
“We’re hoping to have a little bit of music before everybody comes to encourage people that are walking by … to kind of take a look and see what’s going on,” she said.
Rosslanders are encouraged to bring signs and banners with messages of hope for a future with 100 per cent renewable energy. They should also dress warmly, and invite family and friends.
A candle will be provided for the vigil.
“It is a candle light vigil, even though we’re doing it during the day. It’s really just symbolic,” said Doxtater.
There are also climate events planned for Nelson and Castlegar on Nov. 29. Participants from all events are invited to share their photos and updates using the hashtag #KootsClimateRally.