MONTREAL — Around the world today, students and climate activists will take to the streets to participate in a global climate strike. Green Party Leader Elizabeth May will join Deputy Leader Daniel Green and a contingent of Greens to march in solidarity with citizens and Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg. There comes a time when it becomes evident that society is at a turning point. Today’s global climate strikes could be the moment for our movement.
“Greta Thunberg has warned us that: ‘Our house is on fire’,” said Ms. May. “This extraordinary young woman has called on the adults to do our job and keep the children safe. If we don’t feel this in our hearts then we are not listening to what the children are saying. Greens around the world support these strikes and call for governments including our own, to fulfill our obligations as outlined in the Paris Agreement, which is to keep the global average temperature to 1.5 C.”
“The Green Party recognizes that there is no wiggle room here. The science is very clear. We have to act now to avoid runaway global warming which will have dire consequences for the hospitable biosphere.”
A Green government will pass into law a Climate Change Act requiring a 60 per cent cut in climate-changing emissions below 2005 levels by 2030, reaching net zero in 2050. Interim targets will be set at five-year intervals beginning with 2025. This is the last election when voters can choose. Without transformative action now, the window on holding to 1.5 degrees C will close before 2023.
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For more information or to arrange an interview contact:
Rosie Emery
Press Secretary
613-562-4916x206
rosie.emery@greenparty.ca