Thanks so much for your help making last week's Earth Day Parade a big success! It was inspiring to see so many young people taking the lead in calling for real action on climate change.

For pictures and video from the Earth Day event, check out this page on our website.

The event was colourful and exciting but also had a very serious focus. Working with the organizers, Youth For Climate Justice Now we decided to "recycle" the two-finger peace sign. This was not just about being at peace with the Earth, although that is of course important. The number 2 is very important, because climate scientists have told us that an increase of average global temperatures by 2 degrees is the tipping point beyond which we would be unable to stop runaway climate change.

We want people to think about two things we can do to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels within our lifetimes. Two degrees might not seem like a lot but think about how much difference running a fever of 2 degrees can make for your own body. A serious fever destabilizes your body's natural equilibrium, causing everything from hot flashes to cold chills. The same is true with global warming. The climate change caused by an increase in global temperature leads to a destabilized global climate system with similar far ranging effects and potentially seriously tragic consequences.

We are asking folks to consider 2 things they can do to stop an increase of 2 degrees in global temperatures. The 2 things are a ban on oil tankers off the BC coast and a shift in spending from highways to transit.

These two policies would help us in BC reduce both the supply and demand for fossil fuels. It also means less exposure to toxins for our families and more protection of food security, biodiversity and our ecosystems. For more on this campaign visit our web page.

On a related note why don't you join me at the 4th annual Interfaith Pilgrimage to Burns Bog. The pilgrimage draws attention to the potential impacts of sprawling highway development in our region on important natural sites. The bog not only captures carbon in the atmosphere but it filters air and water and provides invaluable habitat for an array of species.

The pilgrimage is happening this Sunday, May 1st. Meet at 640 Chester Road, Annacis Island, Delta. The event begins at 1:30pm, with speakers and a ceremony before we walk over the Alex Fraser Bridge to Burns Bog. This year I will be speaking at the start of the event. For all the details on the event and how to get there visit this webpage.

Come take a look at what's at stake. It's a beautiful walk with some beautiful people.

Thanks

Ben West | Healthy Communities Campaigner
Wilderness Committee