Seniors in BC Urged to Take Climate Action on National Seniors Day

NEWS PROVIDED BY Seniors for Climate, BC-Hub

August 19, 2024 12:00 EST

Vancouver, BC - August 19, 2024 - As National Seniors Day approaches on October 1, a dedicated group of elders in British Columbia is issuing a heartfelt call to action. The Suzuki Elders and the SPEC Elders (from the Society Promoting Environmental Conservation), in collaboration with the national organization, Seniors for Climate, and seniors across Canada, are mobilizing for Seniors Climate Action Day to address the urgent climate crisis.

With one in four British Columbians being seniors, this demographic holds significant sway in shaping political decisions. "We can all use the day to remind the politicians of our economic, social, and political power," emphasized Dan Kingsbury, a committee member. National Seniors Day, designated by the federal government as a day to celebrate older adults, will now also serve as a day for seniors to advocate for climate-friendly policies.

"We are urging seniors to organize or participate in large and small ways from a neighbourhood barbeque discussion to public meetings, park gatherings, demonstrations, designed to engage with elected officials," explained SPEC Guiding Elder, Dr. Carole Christopher. "Our goal is to locally demonstrate our collective influence in demanding immediate climate action."

Recognizing the stakes involved, David Suzuki expressed his support, stating, "Seniors may have less of a future than the rest, but we can see what climate change is doing to our world. We need better and faster climate action now."

The initiative aims to create a comprehensive online map showcasing seniors' climate actions across BC and nationwide, highlighting the growing momentum for climate emergency solutions.

For more information on how to get involved in Seniors Climate Action Day, please contact bc-hub@seniorsforclimate.org and get yourself on the map!

End of Media Release

Quotes:

"We can all use the day to remind the politicians of our economic, social, and political power," emphasized Dan Kingsbury, a committee member. "We are urging seniors to organize or participate in large and small ways from a neighbourhood barbeque discussion to public meetings, park gatherings, demonstrations, designed to engage with elected officials," explained SPEC Guiding Elder, Dr. Carole Christopher. "Our goal is to locally demonstrate our collective influence in demanding immediate climate action."

Recognizing the stakes involved, David Suzuki expressed his support, stating, "Seniors may have less of a future than the rest, but we can see what climate change is doing to our world. We need better and faster climate action now."

"Nature is our greatest ally in the fight against climate change. But nature needs our help. Too many of the precious and beautiful ecosystems that we hold dear as Canadians are under threat and need protection. Our Government has launched the largest conservation campaign in Canada's history, with a goal of reversing biodiversity loss and protecting 30 percent of land and water by 2030. We're working with partners of all kinds across the country to protect these carbon-rich landscapes to save critical habitat and get us closer to our climate goals."

– The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

"Protecting nature is one of the most effective tools we have to prevent climate change and ensure the environment is more resilient to changes we are already seeing. We are launching a generational investment in nature conservation, with almost $50 million for projects across British Columbia. These projects will help meet our commitment of protecting 30 percent of Canada's land by 2030, while conserving carbon-rich ecosystems and ensuring biodiversity and species at risk have the habitat they need to thrive. This scale of environmental protection is only possible by partnering with Indigenous peoples and working in collaboration with leaders in the environmental movement."

– Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country

Quick Facts:

Your vote matters: In November 2023, the Governments of Canada and British Columbia and the First Nations Leadership Council signed a first-of-its-kind Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation, backed by a federal investment of up to $500 million over the life of the Framework Agreement, with matching commitments from the Government of British Columbia, to protect and conserve biodiversity, habitats, and species at risk in the province. The Framework Agreement enables action rooted in recognition of First Nations title and rights to reach British Columbia's and Canada's  goal of protecting 30 percent of land in British Columbia by 2030.

Associated links:

Fall prediction: BC Seniors take Climate Action 

Suzuki Elders   Facebook   David Suzuki Elder

SPEC Elders   Instagram

Background:

The Suzuki Elders of the David Suzuki Foundation and SPEC Elders from the Society Promoting Environmental Conservation (the oldest environmental nonprofit in Canada) are in collaboration with seniors across Canada for a Seniors for Climate action initiative. The BC-Hub is getting the word out. Thank you for your support.

The Government of Canada invests in nature-based solutions to help climate change and protect biodiversity across the country

Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund

2 Billion Trees Program

Agricultural Climate Solutions

Environment and Climate Change Canada's X (Twitter) page

Environment and Climate Change Canada's Facebook page

Contacts

Dan Kingsbury – Suzuki Elder || dankingsburydds@gmail.com || 604.886.9899

Lynne Kent – SPEC Elder (Society Promoting Environmental Conservation) || l.kent@telus.net || 604.731.6279