What do we want? Climate action. When do we want it? Now.”
Climate change activists took to the streets on Friday afternoon armed with catchy slogans printed on posters and protest chants on their lips. Students and community members alike marched from Fernie Secondary School, straight down Second Avenue before coming to a stop at city hall.
This is the third strike in Fernie that has been organized by student activist and grade 12 student Kate Brennan. The school strikes are part of a larger global phenomenon inspired by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg called Fridays for Future. Youth around the world are demanding climate action from global leaders and change makers, saying that they will be the ones forced to deal with the realities of a dying planet.
Fernie students held their first strike in September, with another one following in December. When asked why it was necessary to hold more than one protest, Brennan noted that the fight just wasn’t over yet.
“Youth at FSS and TFA have been inspired by the global Fridays for Future movement and want to increase awareness around the severity of the climate crisis,” Brennan said in a press release. “We wish to highlight the need for significant climate action expected by youth in our community. We hope to demonstrate our frustration with the lack of action at the appropriate scale shown by political and economic leaders surrounding the climate crisis.”
As students arrived at the steps of city hall, Brennan read a speech prepared by Fernie’s youth councillor, Aislinn Dressler. Dressler, who is usually in attendance at the demonstrations, was in Cranbrook competing in the regional science fair on the day of the protest.
Brennan noted that Dressler was “super excited to see the passion that we have for climate action here in Fernie” and that although she was unable to attend the event, “she thinks this global movement is one that is crucial to our lives as we, the youth, are the ones who have to live in a world of climate emergency.”
Dressler, through Brennan, also spoke about how proud she is to represent the youth of Fernie, especially when it comes to climate change issues.
“The climate change movement is one of passion and determination and I hope that with your voices and the voices of many, systematic changes will happen now. I am honoured to be your youth representative because of all of you today and what you are fighting for.”
Dressler was not the only councillor represented at the demonstration and mayor Ange Qualizza even gave a brief address to the community members gathered on the front lawn of city hall. Qualizza began by stating how thankful she is to be working with Dressler, adding that “her energy and enthusiasm for the job is amazing.”
She also thanked Brennan for being a force for change in the community.
“Thank you for the words that were just said because I think that this is problematic across the country,” Qualizza said. “Advocacy happens by stepping out of your home and coming together to have conversations so I’m really proud of you guys and I just want to congratulate you all.”
Although the speeches were brief, the point got across. Youth in Fernie want to live in a world that is not ravaged by rising global temperatures and overwhelming climate change. They are fighting for a better future for themselves and for the generations that follow them.
“While we recognize the city has taken some action surrounding the climate crisis, we believe there is a huge opportunity waiting for your leadership,” Brennan stated in her press release. “The support, knowledge and expertise in this community can be harnessed to make real change in the time scale that this crisis demands.”
Before the end of the rally, Brennan spoke about another event in Fernie that is helping to combat climate change. On April 18, there will be a clothing swap held at The Arts Station for youth aged 13-18. Tickets will be available for purchase and all of the funds raised from the clothing swap will be donated to climate protection initiatives.
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