Hundreds of residents of St. Catharines today joined the rest of the world in protest against the degradation of the environment. The call to action, Climate Strike, organized by youth across the world, was meant to highlight the risk posed to future generation if global devastation is not addressed.
The event opened with recognition of the contribution of the Indigenous community for preserving the land before the coming of the settlers.
Heather Boyd, physician, member of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) said the environment was adversely affecting the health of some patients.
She said colleagues and those from allied professions across the world were already noticing the impact of the environment on health of patients. “Our patients are getting sick, getting sicker and are not getting well,” she said.
She noted that it was overwhelming as a physician to find that she could not assist her patients because the “world is sick.”
Though demonstration and strike was not part of her comfort zone, she chose to attend the rally in support of those on the front line. The mother of three young children said she was deeply concerned of their future and the future of the world. Her reason for taking part in today’s rally was because “In forty years we want to be able to look at our kids, and if they choose, our grand children, and note that we did not have to wait for something bigger. We were part of making it happen today.”
Story is being updated.
