Town urges government to take greater action on climate change

Sackville will join thousands of other communities around the world on Oct. 24 to take a stand for a brighter future.

The town has signed on to participate in the International Day of Action, a grassroots movement across the globe that will call on the government to take greater action on climate change.

Coun. Margaret Tusz-King, who brought forth the idea to council earlier this month, said the event aims to raise public awareness about the need for an international agreement to reduce carbon emissions fast, a treaty that will bring carbon levels down to 350 ppm (parts per million).

"The Canadian government isn't coming across with strong enough leadership on this," said Tusz-King. "So we need to do something that will encourage their full participation in an international treaty."

Currently, the United Nations is working on a global climate treaty that is expected to be completed later this year at a conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Tusz-King said proposed plans for the treaty, however, are much too weak and do not put a high enough price on carbon to stop us from using too much

The International Day of Action will call out for governments to set the bar higher, she said, incorporating the number 350 as the target to meet.

Why 350? Because that's the number that leading scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide-measured in parts per million in our atmosphere - the number humanity needs to get back to as soon as possible to avoid runaway climate change.

"That's the tipping point and there are scientists out there who believe maybe we can go back and it's not too late," said Tusz-King, "but we have to take action now."

Although specific details have not yet been set for the local event, Tusz-King said it will be held in an 'iconic' place in the community and a picture of the action will be posted afterwards on the 350.org website.

The event will bring together organizations and individuals from all sectors of the town, she said.

"This is an opportunity for everyone in the community to come together on a shared concern."

Town officials will also write strong letters to both the provincial and federal governments, informing them of the community's efforts towards reducing carbon in the municipality and urging their full participation in the treaty negotiations in December.

For more information, visit www.350.org.Sackville to participate in International