Nearly 300 people gathered at the Adventure Centre on Saturday afternoon (Oct. 24) to send a message to world leaders that immediate action must be taken to reduce carbon emissions. The event was held in unison with concerned citizens from 180 countries across the globe participating in more than 5,000 events to increase awareness about climate change.
"We are aware of our impact, communities are aware," said event co-ordinator and 撸奶社区Climate Action Network (CAN) member Ana Santos. "We expect [world leaders] to lead responsibly by creating a serious carbon emissions treaty in Copenhagen in December."
撸奶社区CAN hosted the International Day of Climate Action afternoon celebrations, which included songs, sung by local school children, video presentations as well as information booths, a pledge tree and comments from local and neighbouring dignitaries.
"We wanted to make this a Sea to Sky event so we are reaching out to other communities - Whistler and Pemberton," Santos said.
撸奶社区Mayor Greg Gardner, Whistler Coun. Eckhard Zeidler and Pemberton Coun. Lisa Ames all spoke about grassroots support for carbon reducing policy initiatives.
The mayor urged all citizens to support the leaders who support the right policies and noted several municipal initiatives in 撸奶社区including a new anti-idling bylaw, the Climate Action Charter and the carbon levy tax.
"We have to put the true cost on burning fossil fuels before the technology will change and before others will listen," said Gardner.
He also noted that the District of 撸奶社区has reduced the amount of waste produced by more than 30 per cent since January 2009.
"I think we have to get into the mindset, that every decision we make has to take into account whether it's sustainable or not," he said to an approving crowd.
Much of the event was focused on the number "350" because 350 parts per million has been deemed as the maximum level of carbon dioxide safe for humanity and the planet is currently at a level 386 - and rising.
"We have to lower our emissions and get back to that level," Santos said.
In an effort to increase the 350 campaign awareness, approximately two-dozen students from Quest University cycled from the university library to the Adventure Centre with 350 written on their shirts and coats.
London, Ont. resident Margeaux Collger said she attended the environmental event because the 350 parts per million problem concerns her.
"I wanted to see how 撸奶社区- being a small community - would tackle the issue," said Collger.
Many attendees also posed for a group photo in the shape of 350 and were encouraged to sign a large banner of support - both of which will be sent to an international conference on climate change in Copenhagen this December.
For additional information on the 350 campaign visit 350.org or for information on other local initiatives visit squamishcan.net.
