It may be a global issue, but individual action is the starting point in combating climate change.
That was the message at the Halton Hills Eco Fair and Community Climate Rally, held Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 1) in Georgetown.
“In people’s hearts they are worried about climate change. People’s fears can be paralyzing; what can I possibly do?” said Jeannine d’Entremont of Halton Hills Climate Action. “You have a gathering like this and see some other people, talk to them and see there are some solutions. There are lots of personal actions people can take to get involved.”
Approximately 70 people attended the rally at St. George's Anglican Church, visiting a dozen tables set up by community groups working to mitigate climate change in a variety of ways. Among the groups with displays were Bird-Friendly Halton Hills, Trees for Halton Hills, The Old Seed House Garden and Bruce Trail Conservancy.
Daisy Radigan, a member of Grandmothers Act to Save the Planet (GASP) says she is concerned about the planet future generations will inherit.
“Kids really care about the planet,” said Radigan, who was a teacher for 34 years. “Their generation has some big challenges ahead of them. There are many positive things we can do to make a difference, but it takes everyone to do their part.”
“We can stop causing harm, but the harm we’ve done is still there,” Halton Hills Councillor Chantal Garneau said while addressing the crowd. “But if we do something, it can have a positive impact and have that ripple effect in a positive way.”
Councillor Jane Fogal spoke on the benefits of clean energy, pointing to the example of Denmark, which is building the infrastructure to power the entire country with wind energy.
She said community activism can be effective as it was last year when delegates who spoke to council and helped reverse a vote on the expansion of a gas-fuelled power plant.
“Change only happens when people in our government see that we want change,” said student Matthew Tyhurst. “That starts with what we’re doing here today.”
