Seniors in B.C. urged to take climate action on National Seniors Day
By Contributor
A dedicated group of elders in British Columbia is issuing a heartfelt call to action for National Seniors Day on October 1.
The Suzuki Elders and SPEC Elders (Society Promoting Environmental Conservation), in collaboration with the national organization Seniors for Climate and seniors across Canada, are mobilizing for Seniors Climate Action Day to address the climate crisis.
With one in five British Columbians being seniors, this demographic holds significant sway in shaping political decisions.
“We can all use the day to remind the politicians of our economic, social and political power,” said committee member Dan Kingsbury. National Seniors Day, designated by the federal government as a day to celebrate older adults, will now also serve as a day for seniors to advocate for climate-friendly policies.
“We are urging seniors to organize or participate in large and small ways, from a neighbourhood barbecue discussion to public meetings, park gatherings and demonstrations, designed to engage with elected officials,” said SPEC Guiding Elder Carole Christopher.
“Our goal is to locally demonstrate our collective influence in demanding immediate climate action.”
Recognizing the stakes involved, David Suzuki expressed his support, stating, “Seniors may have less of a future than the rest, but we can see what climate change is doing to our world. We need better and faster climate action now.”
The initiative aims to create a comprehensive online map showcasing seniors’ climate actions throughout B.C. and nationwide, highlighting the growing momentum for climate emergency solutions.
For more information on how to get involved in Seniors Climate Action Day, please contact bc-hub@seniorsforclimate.org and get yourself on the map.
Quick Facts:
Your vote matters: In November 2023, the governments of Canada and British Columbia and the First Nations Leadership Council signed a first-of-its-kind Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation, backed by a federal investment of up to $500 million over the life of the agreement, with matching commitments from the Government of British Columbia, to protect and conserve biodiversity, habitats and species at risk in the province. The Framework Agreement enables action rooted in recognition of First Nations title and rights to reach British Columbia’s and Canada’s goal of protecting 30 per cent of land in British Columbia by 2030.
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