Vernon rally demands climate action

Several dozen people took part in a climate action rally in Vernon, one of about 60 scheduled for Canadians cities today.

The Canada On Fire Day of Action got underway outside Vernon City Hall at noon, with organizers saying the events are to demand emergency-level action on the climate crisis.

Climate Action Now’s Eli Pivnick, one of the organizers of the event in Vernon, said the message they wanted to pass along with this rally is that climate change is an issue that needs to be addressed immediately.

In order to take action to combat climate change, Pivnick said the government needs to take action such as ending fossil fuel subsidies and not investing in pipelines or other non-renewable resource projects.

He also said people need to take responsibility in their actions and find ways to reduce their own personal impacts.

“Some things like getting going on composting, looking at more carpooling or getting an electric vehicle or moving in thar direction,” said Pivnick. “Looking at downsizing in all kinds of ways, but particularly in looking at what you’re purchasing, and look at changing your habits of purchasing.”

He added that while people can do their part, it’s important not to do it alone, and that there needs to be widespread action taken in order to have a positive impact in combating climate change.

Climate action rally in Vernon (Liam Verster/Vernon Matters Staff)

About 35 people were on hand for the Vernon event with speakers saying there is a need for governments and individuals to make changes to cut back on the consuming lifestyle and non-renewables.

One of the speakers was a man evacuated from his property on Irish Creek Road due to the White Rock Lake wildfire.

A volunteer from the wildfire evacuee centre in Vernon also spoke at the rally, saying this summer should be a sign that action needs to be taken to reduce the risk of emergencies that threaten people’s lives, properties and livelihoods in the future.

Climate action rally outside Vernon City Hall (Liam Verster/Vernon Matters Staff)

Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming also spoke at the rally, where he outlined the City’s Climate Action Plan, saying it will take a lot of work but it will be beneficial in the long run.

Other speakers at the rally touted the importance of the upcoming federal election. They encourage the public to find out specific details on each party’s platform regarding climate change and the environment so as to reduce the risk of future climate emergencies like the wildfires seen in B.C. this summer.

In order for people to learn more of the local candidates’ stance on climate action, Climate Action Now is hosting an all-candidates virtual forum on Friday, Sept. 10. The public can tune in to the event by registering at Eventbrite.