By: Sofia Chassomeris, News Writer
On September 20, thousands of people congregated in downtown Vancouver for the Vancouver Climate Strike. The strike coincided with the United Nations Summit of the Future, which took place September 22–23, where world leaders met to discuss future plans for increasing cooperation in global governance. This opportunity allowed “children of all ages to see democracy in action and raise their voices for change.”
Organized by the Vancouver Climate Strike Coalition, this strike aimed to get the attention of government officials and demand adequate climate policies. According to the Climate Convergence Coalition, the majority of British Columbians are supportive of more government action regarding climate change, but the coalition says that “elected officials are doing the exact opposite.” The Wilderness Committee, a BC society for wildlife conservation, reports that one-fifth of BC’s carbon pollution is from oil and gas. The recently proposed liquified natural gas plants would “more than double the sector’s pollution” and “make it impossible for BC to meet its climate goals.”
The Peak interviewed Chloë Fraser, a young climate leader and representative of the Vancouver Climate Strike coalition, about the strike. Fraser described her approach to the climate crisis as one “rooted in hope.
“I think the climate strike is an opportunity to protect the people and places we love,” said Fraser. “Every policy we put into place now is going to create the conditions for joy and justice for more people in the future.”
The Peak also spoke with Delara Reporter, a high school student who shared her perspective as a young activist. “It’s my generation’s future,” she said, discussing her passion for the climate. When asked about her greatest challenges as a young activist, Reporter spoke about the frustration of not being heard, “It’s just hard to be taken seriously, even though we are dealing with this [now] just as much as the adults in our lives.”
Both interviewees emphasized the importance of awareness and education about the climate crisis. Whether it be at home, school, or work, Reporter said to “spread the word” and “do what you can.” Fraser also weighed in, sharing that she is “pushing to see a version of activism that people can implement in their everyday.” When asked about other ways that people can get involved in climate activism, Fraser said that voting is one of the first things that comes to mind: “Please go vote if you’re a young person who cares, even just a little bit.” According to Elections BC statistics from the 2020 provincial election, voter turnout was the lowest among voters under the age of 40, specifically voters aged 25–34.
The issues caused by climate change are complex and cannot be addressed by any one solution. Fraser discussed this in the context of the upcoming BC provincial election, saying that although the climate crisis is on people’s minds, the polling does not reflect this. The climate might not be a top concern, but Fraser said there is “huge potential” to highlight how the climate crisis is connected to economic and social issues.
“I want the average person who’s worried about housing or the cost of living to immediately think ‘climate policy would help with this,’” said Fraser. “There are climate policies that would help bring down energy and food costs and make life affordable.” The provincial government stated they are working to increase the BC Climate Action Tax Credit for individuals with low and middle incomes. They are also working to make heat pumps as well as electricity for bikes and vehicles PST exempt.
