Local climate protest draws crowd worried about government inaction

By Robert D. Champagne and Liam Radford

BELLEVILLE — Words weren’t being minced at last Friday’s climate protests when John Smith spoke about how climate change could affect future generations.

Smith, a local activist for both social and environment concerns, addressed the crowd of about 160 people who had gathered at Belleville’s Market Square as part of a worldwide day of action demanding that national governments take greater action on climate change.

“Somebody that is just turning 16 right now, their future is going to be buggered with climate change,” said Smith, 56.

He also made a clear statement about what high-school students should be doing right now.

“I hope, that with all of these other strikes, students will stand up and say, ‘you know what, I am getting out of class, because class can wait, and if I am not forgiven for fighting for my planet, then what good am I as a citizen and a young person?’ ”

John Smith gives an impassioned speech asking for people to act on climate change now at a rally on Sept. 20. Photo By Robert D. Champagne QNet News

“With climate change, we are at the same juncture that the civilized world was in the fight against Hitler, where it was either darkness or you had to get up and fight,” he said.

Smith is the son of the late Harry Leslie Smith who was an author and activist who frequently wrote about politics and 20th century history. In his later years he focused his efforts on campaigning about wealth inequality, public services and the diminishing prospects of young people.

After the various speeches were given, the crowd was instructed to discuss climate change among themselves Photo By Robert D. Champagne QNet News

One of the attendees was Molly Mulloy, a former environmental science teacher.

She says the average person needs to “speak up, they have to write letters to the editor and they have to let politicians know (about their thoughts on climate chance), and candidates who are running for election.”

Nicole Flynn, a Loyalist College student studying general arts and science, was in attendance because she said she wants to help save the planet.

“If we don’t stand up for the planet, then the planet doesn’t have a voice, but a citizen does have a voice,” said Flynn.

The speakers at the event made a clear message, climate action needs to be taken now.

“We have to do something now, we can’t wait any longer,” said Mike Bossio.

Despite not representing Bay of Quinte, Mike Bossio came to make a speech Photo By Robert D. Champagne QNet News

Bossio is the Liberal candidate for Hastings-Lennox and Addington and is seeking re-election in the Oct. 21 federal election.

Neil Ellis, the Liberal incumbent for the Bay of Quinte, was not present at the time of the speeches but made a brief appearance shortly after.

“Climate change is real and it’s happening,” said New Democratic Party candidate for Bay of Quinte, Stephanie Bell.

She said her actions are to prevent “us from having a planet we can’t live on.”

A second protest is planned at Quinte West city hall on Friday.