Global Climate Strike #UprootTheSystem on September 24, 2021

September 24 marks the Global Climate Strike. This year, organizers are drawing attention to the multiple and overlapping socio-economic crises – racism, sexism, ableism, and class inequality – that intersect and worsen the climate crisis. Organizers are calling on us to “uproot the system” that privileges the rich and powerful at the expense of the rest of us.

The climate crisis impacts everyone and while we are all united in our fight for climate justice, we must also acknowledge that we do not all experience the same problems; nor do we experience them to the same extent. MAPA (Most Affected Peoples and Areas) are experiencing the worst impacts of the climate crisis and have the least capacity to adapt to it.

With both COVID and the climate crises, overexploited countries and marginalized sectors of society are systematically left behind to fend for themselves. As the strike organizers have told us, the time to join the masses and follow the lead of indigenous peoples, environmental defenders and workers has been long overdue.

It is critical, now more than ever, that the Global North cuts emissions drastically by divesting from fossil fuels. We need aggressive concrete plans and detailed annual carbon budgets with roadmaps and milestones to ensure we get to net-zero with justice and equality in the time needed to address the climate crisis. We also need accountability and legal repercussions if these milestones are not met.

Together we will fight for a just future where no one is left behind. The historical victories of collective action have proven the need for everyone to stand united for the struggle for a better future for all; a future where people and planet are prioritized.

We Need You to Speak Up

We are encouraging all CUPW members to participate or organize – as best they can while respecting COVID safety measures – actions in the street and online for the “Global Day of Climate Action” happening worldwide on September 24.

Take Action: Big or Small, Every Action Counts

We must act now to create system change. We must act now to #uprootthesystem.

Find out about actions and climate strikes being organized in your community by visiting: https://globalclimatestrike.net/more/ or register your strike at https://fridaysforfuture.org/action-map/register-report-strikes/

You can also go beyond striking and use your power to demand changes in your community:

1. Join a local group near you and build relationships with other local climate-focused groups.
   
   
2. Take action online. Sign petitions, watch films, join campaigns, and ask community leaders to sign the pledge.
   
   
3. Give climate talks. Organize presentations and conversations in your community. Or attend a climate talk.
   
   
4. Write letters-to-the-editor. If you read an article that you have a powerful emotional response to, write a letter!
   
   
5. Build your skills. Take online courses from 350.org about climate change and what you can do about it.
   
   
6. Read the climate resistance handbook. This handbook for climate activists is available in 8 different languages!

You can check out www.fridaysforfuture.org or https://globalclimatestrike.net/more/ for more information on global actions.

Join us in fighting for our future.

CUPW supports the call to action and messaging from the Global Climate Strike Day organizers. We can learn from today’s youth and there is hope in the leadership of our youth.

To learn more about what CUPW has been doing to demand a green future with a just transition, visit the Delivering Community Power Facebook group or contact your regional Delivering Community Power coordinator. http://www.deliveringcommunitypower.ca