Greta Thunberg calls for climate action in Canada’s oil heartland – “We’re doing this because our future is at stake”

19 October 2019 (DW) – Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg joined thousands of protesters marching in Alberta, Canada’s energy heartland, on Friday as a smaller counterrally of oil and gas workers converged on the provincial capital, Edmonton.

While Thunberg steered clear of making any direct criticism of Alberta’s oil sands or of commenting explicitly on Canada’s upcoming election, she called for Canada to take responsibility for its emissions.

“Richer countries such as Canada and Sweden need to get down to zero emissions much faster so people in poorer countries can heighten their standard of living by building the infrastructure we have already built,” Thunberg told a cheering crowd from the steps of the Alberta Legislature Building.

“We’re not doing this because it’s fun or because we have a special interest in the climate or because we want to become politicians when we grow up. We’re doing this because our future is at stake,” she continued.

Protest punctuated by pro-oil counterrally

The crowd, estimated by organizers to number close to 10,000, was led by indigenous drummers and marched slowly towards the provincial legislature building from the city center.

“I came out to show support for Greta and everyone fighting against the climate crisis,” said demonstrator Bridget Gutteridge-Hingston, 13, who marched with her father. “It’s something I’m definitely scared of,” she said.

A smaller counterrally organized by a pro-oil group, United We Roll, drove from the nearby city of Red Deer to Edmonton in order to demonstrate their support for the oil and gas industry. The convoy of big rig trucks passed by the legislature building and honked their horns as Thunberg spoke.

Late last month, Thunberg led a rally in Montreal that attracted 500,000 people and met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. [more]

Greta Thunberg calls for climate action in Canada’s oil heartland