NEWS RELEASE
SENIORS FOR CLIMATE
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On Tuesday, October 1, seniors will be dancing in the park to attract attention to their concerns that climate action in Canada isn’t happening fast enough. They’ll be at Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Simcoe Park dancing in support of Seniors for Climate Day of Action.
“In recent years, youth have led the world in demanding urgent action on climate change,” explains Lidija Biro, who’s coordinating the Day of Action in Niagara. “Seniors are now joining youth to demonstrate that they too are prepared to put their time and energy into rebuilding a sustainable planet for their grandchildren and for generations to come.”
Six seniors’ climate organizations are sponsoring Seniors for Climate with the goal of building a cross-Canada community of seniors to create a liveable future. October 1 has been chosen for the Day of Action because it’s also National Seniors Day in Canada, and therefore an ideal opportunity for seniors across Canada to demonstrate their growing concern about the impacts of climate change and the urgent need to rebuild a healthy environment for future generations
The Day of Action’s slogan is “Later Is Too Late!” because the day is all about the need to ramp up climate action right now. One in four Canadians is a senior with a vote, with spending power, and the ability to advocate: as part of a broad-based and deep-rooted movement seniors can put this strength towards achieving the climate targets necessary to avert climate collapse.
All three levels of government – municipal, provincial and federal – have made commitments to climate mitigation and have introduced measures intended to cut the emissions most responsible for climate change. However, present progress isn’t enough and fossil fuel emissions continue to rise. Canada is not achieving its targets in CO2 reduction, and continues to support fossil fuel investments and development. Governments also subsidize fossil fuel industries, either directly or through tax breaks.
“National Seniors Day is an ideal opportunity for seniors to mobilize for climate action,” says Biro. “The Day is recognized by the federal government as ‘an occasion for all Canadians to join in celebrating older adults across Canada" and "to thank seniors for their contributions and show them just how much they are appreciated."
“It’s great to have seniors’ contributions to Canadian life celebrated nationally,” she says, “but our age doesn’t mean we plan to simply sit back and watch the world go by; the seniors Day of Action is a strong statement that we’re an active and important force for shaping Canada’s future.
“And so seniors from across East Niagara will be dancing in the park to encourage people of all ages to help forge that future. We’re especially pleased that local youth from Yellow Door Theatre Project have worked with us on our Simcoe Park event, and will be participating on the day.”
Biro asks as many people as possible to come to Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Simcoe Park between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 1 to celebrate National Seniors Day with Seniors for Climate. There will be petitions available asking each of the three levels of government to up their climate change game, and information about Seniors Climate Action will be on hand. Seniors can also sign up to stay informed about Seniors for Climate in Niagara’s future activities.
“But the main attraction,” says Biro, “is to watch seniors and youth perform together in a fun flash mob climate dance. We’re looking forward to it, and hope it will bring a great crowd of people to the park.”
Visit Seniors for Climate Niagara’s Facebook page for more information.
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