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Locals gather to fight climate change

Saturday event in Squamish part of global movement

Communities in the Sea to Sky corridor are banding together to demand government action on climate change this Saturday.

Local leaders and residents from Squamish, Pemberton and Whistler are gathering in Squamish for International Climate Action Day to help each other reduce carbon footprints and document a shared concern about climate change.
"This is an important opportunity to influence change in the world on our most challenging global issue - climate change," said Squamish Mayor Greg Gardner.

"It is the responsibility of each one of us to make the world a sustainable home for us all.

"We are really proud to be hosting this event in the Sea to Sky corridor as we adopt a leadership role in all our policies."

As part of International Climate Action Day, Gardner will be speaking about municipal efforts to reduce emissions, as will councillors from Whistler and Pemberton.

The event will also feature a nature walk, screening of the documentary The Age of Stupid , environmental speakers and educational booths designed to help people reduce their own carbon footprint.

"This day is all about spreading the awareness that we must do our best to lower carbon dioxide levels," said Ana Santos of Squamish Climate Action Network (Squamish CAN).

A large handmade carbon footprint banner will be created at the event featuring individual messages and inked footprints from community members concerned about climate change. The banner will be sent to the Copenhagen Climate Conference where a delegation of world leaders is meeting in December to attempt to craft a new global emissions treaty.

Squamish is just one of several hundred communities around the world acknowledging International Climate Action Day on Oct. 24 as part of an initiative known as "350". Largely coordinated online, "350" is a global movement to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The name "350" stands for 350 parts per million - the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere many scientists estimate is the safe limit for humanity. The current level is at 385.92.

Squamish CAN's 350 event runs from noon to 4 p.m. at the Squamish Adventure Centre on Oct. 24. For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.squamishcan.net