Global Climate Strike Toronto

By: Mattew Anton
Mattew is a Community Youth Journalist with Focus Media Arts Centre                    

Human activity is the main cause of climate change; people burning fossil-fuel, for profit economics, deforestation, manufacturing goods, and rampant industrialization are driving the current global climate crisis. Environmental improvements can make workplaces healthier, safer, and less stressful.  Environmental improvements can create more equitable and sustainable cities. Environmental improvements can serve to diminish negative impacts of global warming on species and eco-systems.

In Regent Park where a massive revitalization project taking place, with extensive gentrification to one of the largest social housing projects in Canada. Stakeholders need to be mindful of how significant changes to the infrastructure of a particular neighbourhood can have adverse effects on the wellbeing of area residents. Amenities such as parks, playgrounds, and community centres are seen as integral to the health of a community. As are the possibilities of employment and education for local residents.

Global Climate Strike, which took place on Sept 23, 2022 at Queen's Park in Toronto, saw thousands of  people gather at Queen's Park to stage their global climate strike. The event was  part of an international campaign to draw attention to global warming. During this event people from across the GTA demanded action to save our planet. Following numerous speeches by various environmental groups and activists and musical performances, the assembled crowd  began marching on Wellesley St. and continues south on Bay St. and finally moved west on Queen Street to City Hall.

A diverse array of environmental groups made speeches including migrant support agencies, indigenous communities and social justice advocates such as Alienor Rougeot.  Students from both the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) also participated. Toronto's Samba Squad, Mark Clennon, and Layla Staats were among the musical  performers thaaat lent their talents during the event.

During the event Toronto's Mayor John Tory, commented on Social Media, “We've turned the Toronto Sign off today in Solidarity with all those taking part in #ClimateStrikeCanada, #GlobalClimateStrikes, and #ClimateStrikeToronto.”

“The #PeopleNotProfit theme climate strike highlights the need for action that delivers for people, not corporations, and recognizes the critical ways that the crisis intersects with urgent social and economic issues, such as racism, sexism, homophobia, and more.” (https://opseu.org/news/global-climate-strike-rally-and-march-at-queens-park-september-23/174616/)
Global Climate Strike in Queen's Park  highlights the importance of taking action for the sake of the planet, to help  families with low-income, and to limit the power of the G7. We can make a safer, and greener environment for all of us.