In September of 2019, Greta Thunberg's name was everywhere and the world was waking up to the reality of climate change. "Climate Strike" was the buzz phrase, and here in Penticton on the 27th of the month, several hundred people, mostly high-school kids, really did go on temporary strike.
They rallied at City Hall, they marched back and forth on downtown streets in the name of climate action, and they justifiably made a splash in the local press.
Fast forward two years and the spectre of a world where climate change is allowed to continue unfettered is certainly no less onerous. And tomorrow, the 2021 equivalent of 2019's Climate Strike will swing into existence mid-day when Penticton and area youth will once again rally in the downtown core.
It’s called "Uproot the System," and it gets started at 1 pm at the "grassy area" near the Penticton Library at 758 Main St. Attendees will march to Gyro Park from there, where concerned students (and likely a few adults too) will speak.
The whole thing comes as "Climate Week NYC" unfolds in New York City, the west coast of North America recovers from another summer of fires, smoke, and crazy high temperatures, and even former climate change deniers like UK prime minister Boris Johnson are seemingly converting.
Is all of that enough to bring big crowds into the streets again tomorrow? Considering there was a Penticton climate action rally just a couple weeks ago, on Sept 8th, where several dozen people, including a few students, pre-traced tomorrow's route to a T, perhaps not. But one never knows.
Certainly First Things First Okanagan is hoping for a sizable turnout. The regional non-profit environmental group who seem to have their hands in so much these days is endorsing the event and also helping get word out to the media.
"What we're doing is supporting the students," said First Things First spokesperson Merle Kindred. "They’re the ones making their sings and telling their friends and getting other people in the community out to march.
"And when we get to Gyro, it'll be the young people who are speaking. Those of us who are older will step aside and let them voice their concerns. It's their rally."
Masks and physical distancing are requested at the rally, which will, according to the First Things First media release, feature chants, chalk art, banners, signs, and musical instruments.
And a little déjà vu.
