In the aftermath of the destructive wildfires that occurred this summer, demonstrators are urging the province to address climate change more seriously and take decisive action. A group of approximately 20 protesters gathered on the steps of Confederation Building in St. John’s, chanting “Tony, wake up! Wake up, Tony!” on Friday.
The protesters belong to Fridays for Future St. John’s, a local chapter of the global youth-led climate action movement. They are calling on the newly-elected Premier Tony Wakeham to declare a state of climate emergency in the province and implement measures to mitigate potential climate-related disasters.
Sophie Shoemaker, co-president of the local Fridays for Future chapter, expressed frustration, stating that while the government acknowledges climate change, it is not taking sufficient action. Shoemaker highlighted the province’s heavy investment in oil and gas and criticized the new government for plans to expand rather than reduce these industries.
During a recent press conference, Wakeham defended the province’s oil production industry, emphasizing the importance of meeting global demand. He criticized federal emission caps that could impact the industry and questioned the effectiveness of reducing oil production in combating climate change.
The link between the province’s oil industry and the recent wildfires was questioned during the campaign, to which Wakeham responded that he does not believe the two are directly related. Despite this, the PC party promised to enhance firefighting resources in the province.
The wildfires this summer had a profound impact on the local community, with high school student Sheza Chowdhury noting a shift in perspective as the fires hit closer to home. Members of the NDP also joined the protest, with NDP MHA Sheilagh O’Leary emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change and transitioning to a sustainable economy.
Protester Nene Dumet shared personal experiences of environmental devastation caused by oil spills, emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental harm and its broader consequences. Calls for action and a shift towards sustainable practices were echoed throughout the protest.
The demonstration highlighted the growing concern and activism surrounding climate change, urging stakeholders to prioritize environmental conservation and sustainable practices for a better future.