***Update as of Sept. 23 at 1:50 p.m.: Communications Coordinator Amber Leung told V.I.A. that the group plans to block areas along Hastings, Thurlow, and Georgia streets in Vancouver.
Anxiety surrounding climate change is prevalent across Canada, including a third of Canadian youth who expressed feelings of helplessness.
Despite studies and polls, youth in Vancouver continue to rally for change.
High school students will be marching through Vancouver next week on the Global Day of Action, which takes place Friday, Sept. 23. The rally will involve blocking off city streets.
The rally is organized by Sustainabiliteens, a youth-led organization and movement across Metro Vancouver that is "united by the urgency we feel to stop climate catastrophe and by a shared vision to exercise our agency, and create a more just and sustainable world," reads the organization's website.
Starting at Coal Harbour Park and ending at the Vancouver Art Gallery, the march will take place from 2 to 3 p.m. and several roads will be closed off. Route details are not finalized yet due to construction, the organization tells Vancouver Is Awesome, but will be shared ahead of the event.
At the art gallery, a Block Party will follow educational and inspiring speeches from organizations, small businesses, and local musicians, including Vancouver Black Library, Massy Books, Sweetgrass Soap and others. The party will be a "communal climate action extravaganza," reads Sustainabiliteens' news release.
The march will centre around Indigenous sovereignty, a just transition, and immediate climate action, while the block party will focus on spotlighting inspiring organizations, speakers, and local businesses.
Sustainabilitieens Rally
When: Sept. 23, 2-6 p.m.
Where: Start - Coal Harbour Park; End - Vancouver Art Gallery
Cost: Free
