Some Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows residents are joining the global protest movement against climate change as they prepare to participate in the March to End Fossil Fuels in downtown Maple Ridge on Sept. 17.
This march will be hosted by the Maple Ridge Climate Hub and is a much-needed event amidst the ongoing wildfire crisis happening throughout the province, said climate hub vice president Hudson Campbell.
“This isn’t just an event, it’s a community-driven movement,” said Campbell. “Whether you’re a student, a parent, a business owner, or a concerned citizen, your presence adds strength to our message.”
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The city has not seen a climate change rally since 2019, but regularly hosts Earth Day events in the downtown core. However, that’s not enough, according to Campbell, and the residents of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows need to make their voices heard by coming down to the march outside of city hall.
“The science is clear,” said Campbell. “Human activity is warming the earth and oceans, and that’s leading to these catastrophic weather events. And the biggest cause of climate change is our burning of oil, gas, and coal. It has to stop.”
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The March to End Fossil Fuels will start at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17, outside of Maple Ridge City Hall. Participants will then march throughout the city centre building, with the rally wrapping up at 1 p.m.