Go2o a Great Start for Climate Action in Canada
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September 26, 2011
Sunshine and solidarity combined for a great day of action in front of Canada’s Parliament in Ottawa, as citizens–Canadians–of all ages gathered in protest of the tar sands, the world’s largest carbon bomb. We don’t want it to detonate any more carbon, more cancers, more destroyed forests, more polluted waters, more destoyed lives. Speakers and representatives of First Nations gave motivating speeches and rallied the group well throughout the entire day. Hundreds of Canadians braved arrests by crossing the fences, and we stayed with them until the officials finally gave up and let the last batch of arrestees go.
Even if the media toned down the importance of the day, it was still a groundbreaking start for climate solutions in the country. We showed our government that we will defend our earth heritage not only for ourselves, but the future generations. Our presence generated awareness, hope, and inspiration that we wish to share with everyone! We are just getting started!
avaTAR SANDS
Take a Stand! Stop the Tar Sands!
BREAKING: Climate Hero Imprisoned–And How We Respond from 350.org
Dear Friends,
First, a kind of tough news update:
Just a few hours ago, our friend Tim DeChristopher was sentenced in federal court in Utah to 24 months in prison for his creative act of civil disobedience protesting new gas and oil leases. The sentence is outrageous—the government charged him with financial fraud, as if he’d done what he did to make a buck, not a point.
We assume the intent was to send a message: don’t try to interfere with the all-powerful fossil fuel industry. But instead of meekly complying, we need to do just the opposite.
It’s time to stand up and help defuse the largest carbon bomb on the planet:
Today, we’re urging you to help block a fossil fuel disaster—the kind of disaster that Tim showed such courage in opposing.
The proposed Keystone XL Pipeline, if built, will carry oil from the tar sands deposits of Alberta all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico. Why do we oppose the Keystone XL? Because those tar sands are the second-largest pool of carbon in the world. As NASA scientist James Hansen said, any substantial tapping of the tar sands means it’s “essentially game over for the climate.”
So we’re fighting back by joining a coalition to to take on the tar sands on two fronts:
1) The Petition
Today, 350.org is launching a petition aimed at President Obama, because he alone gets to make the call on the pipeline. He has to sign—or not sign—a “certificate of national interest” before the pipeline can be built. The U.S. Congress can’t get in the way—so we’re calling on President Obama to step up and display the kind of leadership that so many people expected when they voted him into office. If we reach our goal of 35,000 signatures, we’ll arrange a high-profile delivery in Washington DC. Please sign on today: www.350.org/take-a-stand
2) The DC Action
We’re also spreading the word about a civil disobedience campaign that’s taking place this August in Washington DC. The effort is being spearheaded by Bill McKibben, Naomi Klein, Danny Glover, Wendell Berry, Tom Goldtooth, and more. Already, the organizers say, 1,200 people have signed up to risk arrest in front of the White House. The civil disobedience campaign isn’t being coordinated directly by 350.org–it’s a separate effort. Of course, your involvement in the action should be your own choice, and you can get all the info you need at www.TarSandsAction.org
All our thoughts today are with Tim. As he said in the courtroom today:
“The people who are committed to fighting for a livable future will not be discouraged or intimidated by anything that happens here today.”
Let’s prove Tim right. The best way to deal with the bad news of his sentencing is to honor his vision and take action for a livable future: www.350.org/take-a-stand
Onwards,
Jamie Henn for the whole 350.org team
P.S. Only a huge groundswell of citizen opposition can help plug the tar sands pipeline–can you take a minute to share this campaign with your friends on Facebook or Twitter?
P.P.S. We’re focusing on the tar sands since we have a crucial window of opportunity to defuse this carbon bomb–but we’re still charging ahead towards Moving Planet, the HUGE global day of action on September 24th. On that day, communities around the world will join together to move beyond fossil fuels–from tar sands and coal and oil to bikes, wind power, and solar energy. If you haven’t yet gotten involved, you can find or start an event in your community today.
SOURCES
DeChristopher gets 2 years, $10K fine for botching federal auction – Salt Lake City Tribune
Canada’s Tar Sands
The World’s Dirtiest Oil? – Canada’s Tar Sands
Controversial mining operations threaten the lives and livelihood of Canada’s indigenous people, who have organised a global response to take on oil companies and the Canadian government itself.
Help stop the tar sands! Visit www.stoptarsands.org
Go2o Earth Climate Rally
www.go2o.ca
Earth Climate Rally
In part of 350.org‘s “Moving Planet” Event
Move away from fossil fuels!
Issues in Canada (more posts about these later):
-Tar sands
-We have been the fossil award winner consecutive times!
Rally Details:
Date: Sep 26 Monday (when parliament is in session)
Time: 8:30 am – 12pm
Location: Parliament Hill, Ottawa
How to get there: Coach bus transportation ($70 round trip)
Bus schedule:
Depart CMAC Mississauga on Sep 25 Sunday at 1pm
Arrive at Ottawa at 6pm
Accommodations: Prices TBA
You may reserve your own motel or, preferrably, we will make arrangements for the whole group for convenience and a better group rate.
Any personal excursions in the city are your own expense in transportation.
How to get back:
Departs Ottawa on Sep 26 at 1pm
Arrive in Mississauga at 6pm
All proceeds go to offset our carbon emissions through Trees, Water, People.
Please visit their web site to calculate your own emissions and how to offset them!
Pre-rally gathering:
Sep 10 @ CMAC Mississauga
4pm – 6pm
FREE Climate change movie viewing
Snacks provided
Bring your entire family!
Go2o Registration Deadline: September 10
If you are attending, please register and provide your payment as soon as possible. We need to know how many are attending to properly arrange transportation and accommodation. Leaving it to the last minute will be cost us more!
Even if you are not attending the rally (you should!), please donate!
Remember that organizing this event takes time. Buses, accommodations, driver wages, etc. have a cost and are not free. This is to help all of our families, especially children. Remember that the future will be in their hands, and they will be dealing with the effects of global warming that we have left them.
Teachers, make this a part of your school calendar! Make it a school trip to the Parliament! Contact us so we can arrange it with your school.
Phone: 905-817-0453
Email: go2o@cmacdapo.com
Web: www.go2o.ca
