By Gina Pannunzio
On Friday September 27 2019, hundreds of people gathered at Charles Clark Square in the afternoon to participate in a climate strike day of action hosted by Earth Strike Windsor. At the same time this strike took place, students from high schools across the region walked out and marched their grounds to show solidarity. St. Clair College students marched along the Herb Gray Parkway and some local businesses closed up shop for the afternoon. These coordinated efforts locally reflected numerous climate strikes taking place across the world that week to bring awareness of climate change worries and challenges that are being felt. Greta Thunberg, a Swedish teenager has inspired these efforts and spoke in front of the United Nations, the Prime Minster of Canada and numerous governments to discuss these issues and sparking an international movement.
The gathering at Charles Clark Square included speakers from many different local organizations and hundreds of people with signs that said messages such as “There is no Planet B,” “The dinosaurs thought that they had time too,” “wildflowers not wildfires,” and “Policy change not climate change!” While the alarm bells are ringing for more action to address climate change, these rallies show the unanimity on the subject. Action is wanted and needed in the Windsor-Essex region. There are many individuals, representing all ages and interests who are concerned about the future and want to advocate for the environment today.
Since the Climate Strike, there has been increased attention focusing on climate change in Windsor-Essex. The Windsor Essex County Environment Committee recommended a climate emergency declaration for the region. The Essex Region Conservation Authority strongly supported this proposed declaration for municipalities, and within a short time, the City of Windsor council, Town of Amherstburg Council, Essex County council and the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit council add to the growing list declaring a climate change emergency. The Town of Essex Council supported the creation of a Climate Change Adaptation Plan, and the Town of Tecumseh joined Partners for Climate Protection. Municipalities are also undertaking important action, such as updating sewer masterplans, undertaking shoreline studies, emergency flood plans, and exploring renewable energy projects.
Have Your Say: the City of Windsor released their 2019 Draft Climate Change Adaptation Plan and Climate Change Impacts in Windsor – A Technical Document. These items are tabled for public comment until January 20 2020, and any comments can be sent to .
While there is still a lot of work to be done, these actions collectively show how individuals who work together can truly make changes in their region. Don’t let the common argument of “I’m just one person, how can I make a difference,” be status quo. Let’s have action be the new normal in addressing climate change locally.
For those interested, ECFNC has welcomed Jennifer Nantais as the Climate Change Representative who will take the lead on climate change activities within the club.
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