Last Sunday’s March for Jobs, Justice and Climate was unlike anything I’d seen before in Canada.
The family-friend march of over 10,000 people saw an unprecedented diversity of groups come together to call not just for long overdue action on the climate crisis, but also action that prioritizes Indigenous rights, secures good quality jobs with fair wages, builds healthy communities, and includes migrant workers.
Some may be accustomed to seeing and hearing environmentalists like me up front on the climate issue, but on Sunday I walked with a group of environmentalists towards the back of the march. We were honoured to be part of a clear demonstration of unity.
And we recognize that the urgency of the climate crisis is not one owned solely by those who identify as environmentalists. I don’t live on the front lines of the impacts of polluting fossil fuel extraction, such as those downstream of the tar sands. Neither am I among those who will face the greatest economic changes as we shift to a cleaner economy, as so many energy workers. And I’m not at the greatest risk of the health impacts of climate change, like many low-income people.
Concern about our warming climate cuts right across our society. People concerned about Indigenous and migrant rights walked behind a large banner that read: “It starts with justice.” Behind them labour marched in large numbers behind the sign: “Good work, Clean Jobs and Healthy Communities.” Faith groups and students involved in divestment initiatives marched behind the banner, “We have the solutions.” I walked with many others behind the banner, “We know who is responsible.”
In the Environmental Defence group, I along with others carried signs about the risks of the Energy East pipeline, the largest proposed tar sands pipeline in the world. Energy East would add significant carbon emissions at a time when we should be cutting back.
It is increasingly clear that an evolution to a low carbon economy is essential. Renewable energy and electric vehicles are becoming more mainstream and already beginning to take over from fossil fuels like coal and oil.
As someone who has worked to bring action on climate for almost half my life, I’m no stranger to joining fellow citizens in taking to the streets to call for action from our elected leaders. Joining a public event sends an important message that our society cares about an issue. And on a personal level, these events are an important reminder that we aren’t alone in our efforts to bring Canada into the clean energy future.
But on Sunday, as tens of thousands streamed through the streets of Toronto, I was mainly struck by how the climate crisis has brought unlikely allies together.
It will not always be easy, but only by working together will we be able to ensure that our response to climate change helps to make Canada a better place for all of us to live and work. Now it’s time our elected officials listen.
Adam Scott is Energy and Climate Program Manager for Environmental Defence.
news@nowtoronto.com | @nowtoronto
