Global Climate Change March: Voices of Youth

By Rachel Horwat, Winnipeg youth delegate to the International Youth Summit

“Stop Global Warming!” “Forget Fossil Fuels!” and “Don’t Burn Our Future!” were just some of the signs I read while I marched in the Global Climate Change March inMontreal.  The march, which took place in major cities around the world, was organized to demand that real measures be taken to stop climate change. 

I initially expected that most people participating in the march would be in their mid-20s. I was pleasantly surprised, however, to find people of all ages.  The youngest marcher was no more than one year old, not even old enough to march!  Many other children were in attendance, clapping and cheering alongside their parents.  At the other end of the spectrum, there were many “experienced” individuals, who had as much enthusiasm and energy as their younger counterparts.

Not only was there a diversity of age, there was also a diversity of interests.  From Greenpeace to the Canadian Automakers to the World Council of Churches, there were flags waving from many different sectors of society.  The diversity of signage made for a very colorful march.

No march would be complete without music.  From drums, whistles and blow-horns to clapping and chanting, this was a march that carried a LOUD message.  The march ended with a music concert featuring local talent which inspired dancing in the street.  

With such a diverse array of people and a loud medium to carry their voices, the march was truly motivating.   It demonstrated that people of all ages and backgrounds are concerned about climate change and want and support real change to address the issue. 

(Photos courtesy of Razceljan Luis Salvarita)