“You will die of old age, I will die of climate change.”
The chants of students voicing their concerns about climate change could be heard along East River Road in New Glasgow and at a separate event at the same time on the Pictou waterfront on Friday, May 24.
More than 100 students walked out of their classes in Pictou and New Glasgow to take part in the events, calling on local politicians to declare a climate emergency.
Here’s a look at what these young activists had to say:
Rebecca Hingley
North Nova Education Centre
“There’s not enough people that understand what’s happening is going to be irreversible very, very soon. … We might be a small town but if affects us too. We might be young, but we have a voice too. This is our future.”
Liliah Ross
West Pictou Elementary
“Since I was little, I’ve always been interested in the environment and now with this Fridays for Future Movement starting I’ve just been inspired to do something about it.
We want the government to declare a national climate emergency and after that, take action.
Politicians, they’re not doing enough about climate change when scientists are saying something needs to be done now.”
Keeley Shipley
Northumberland Regional High School
“I am optimistic, just seeing how many kids are already involved in this and how fast everyone was to act I’m excited to see what the future generations will do to help this cause and we’re trying to persuade adults and the governments to use their power and listen to us younger kids who have something to say.”
Ocean Allan
Northumberland Regional High School
“Reduce fossil fuels, and more renewable energy use.”
Hope Angevine
North Nova Education Centre
“I’m just hoping they start realizing how much this is affecting our generation even though their generation isn’t going to be as affected as much…. We need to start using our resources appropriately and stop taking things for granted.”
Laila MacRae
North Nova Education Centre
“I think it’s an important matter that we should be concerned about because I’ve seen a few posts saying that we have about 12 years to live.”
