Editor:
I’m sitting here, propped up by my hiking pole, at the Climate Action gathering at Peace Arch Park, and I have a few observations to share.
Today’s worldwide climate action has been started by the youth and one in particular, Greta Thunberg, but it is the youth of the 1950s and ’60s that are propping up this particular gathering.
It’s the “still young,” in their 60s and 70s, that are handing out the flyers and providing the goodies to keep our energy up; it’s the “still young” in their 60s and 70s that are singing the songs and carrying many of the signs.
Let me be clear, we need and want the energy of today’s youth but, on this particular day, we mustn’t forget the long struggle that has come before.
The likes of David Suzuki, Bill McKibben, Stephen Lewis and members of Greenpeace have spoken loud and clear for many decades warning about the diabolical effects of human influence on our climate.
At another event, I heard a speaker denigrate the actions of the previous generations. Great discoveries in science are built on the backs of those who go before, and movements are built on the backs of those who have gone before as well.
Tonight, I will be hoping for the success of a new generation of climate-action participants but toasting those who have and still are lending their energy and expertise to support them.
Judy Peterson, White Rock