A group of demonstrators calling on the B.C. government to take urgent action on the climate emergency plans to block two of Vancouver's major bridges over the weekend.
On Saturday (Aug. 21) at 11 a.m., Extinction Rebellion (XR) Vancouver plans to "peacefully march" from Robson Square to the Georgia Viaduct and Cambie Bridge, explains a press release. The group plans to occupy both bridges "for as long as possible."
Organizations will demonstrate under the slogan "Save Old Growth. Protect Our Future."
The group notes that it has met with emergency response teams and will allow them through occupation sites.
Extinction Rebellion's other Canadian chapters will block major streets on the same day as the Vancouver protest, including Toronto, Ottawa, Victoria, Calgary, and Edmonton.
The day of protest kicks of series of Canada-wide actions that will "culminate in a period of civil disobedience across the country" starting Oct. 16.
Extinction Rebellion states that humanity faces an "ecological catastrophe" after decades of inaction in Canada and across the globe. The group cites a recent IPP Working Group 1 report that “global warming of 1.5°C and 2°C will be exceeded during the 21st century unless deep reductions in CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions occur in the coming decades.”
The group adds: "As ordinary people concerned for the earth and the people we love, we have no choice but to engage in nonviolent civil disobedience, a proven tactic for producing rapid social and political change."
The Vancouver group previously protested old growth logging in B.C. by occupying the Burrard Street Bridge on July 24.
