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Canadians unite to demand a real deal at UN climate negotiations in Poland. On December 7, 2008, thousands will gather in communities across Canada to call for action to stop climate chaos.
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.
NUPGE has endorsed the Global Day of Action on Climate Change which is to take 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.
The Climate Action Network (CAN)-Canada of which NUPGE is a member, has 50 delegates in attendance in Poznan. Several of these Canadian delegates hold key positions on working group panels that are planning youth actions, mitigation, tech transfer, and land use interventions during the meeting proceedings. Canada's government representatives will be held to account by the diverse Canadian NGO presence.
Actions to support CAN's message 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.