Unless something changes, Kate Brown doesn’t like what the future has in store for her.
The 16-year-old Gander Collegiate student has been following the impacts of global warming, and feels no matter how big or small the contribution everyone should be doing their part to reduce the world’s carbon footprint.
“What happens in the next 10 years is going to determine my future and everyone else’s future for the rest of our lives,” she said.
The Grade 10 student has organized a Fridays for Future walk for students, in Gander May 24.
It’s part of an international movement started by Swedish student Greta Thunberg in 2018 to protest against the lack of action to combat global warming.
Students will gather at the school’s parking lot and march to town hall.
There’ll be entertainment and information sessions upon arrival, but more importantly, Kate is hoping to catch the ear of mayor Percy Farwell.
Kate said the group will be bringing forward three proposals for Gander.
They would like to see the establishment of electric charging stations and town powered electric vehicles, energy efficient town-owned buildings, and a stronger composting stance.
“It’s looked at as costly but in the long term it reaps such high rewards,” Kate said.
Because Newfoundland and Labrador’s citizens live in a pristine environment, Kate feels the implications of global warming aren’t necessarily noticed locally, and she’s hoping the march creates a ripple effect that is felt throughout central Newfoundland.
“By changing something in just a community or central Newfoundland it creates a chain event. When one group steps forward, more and more step forward,” she said. “It’s in our power to do something about it, and we should do something about it.”
Editor’s Note
Other central Newfoundland communities are scheduled to hold demonstrations as well. Lewisporte Academy students, for instance, will hold a Fridays for Future walk in Lewisporte May 31, 11:30 a.m.
