file: Brampton candlelight vigil for climate change action

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SIERRA CLUB ORGANIZES COMMUNITY-WIDE CLIMATE CHANGE VIGIL FOR PEEL 

On December 12th groups in countries around the world, under the auspices of AVAAZ.org and 350.org, are holding candlelight vigils to mark the mid-point in the intensive climate change negotiations taking place in Copenhagen, Denmark.  Leaders of the world, including our Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Barack Obama, are meeting to negotiate carbon reduction targets to help lower greenhouse gas emissions back down to 350 parts per million in the air.  This is the level that is generally accepted as the upper limit of safety for us and our planet.  As the media inform us, the negotiations will be intense and challenging, with success by no means guaranteed. The atmosphere is currently at 387 ppm. 

In Peel Region, Sierra Club Peel has taken up the challenge of organizing a vigil where concerned environmental groups, politicians, and individuals will rally to show unity in urging our government to take strong action on our behalf.  We will be urging our leaders to represent us boldly to commit to a fair, ambitious, and binding Copenhagen Agreement.  As Peter Orphanos, chair of Sierra Club Peel puts it, “We want to demonstrate our collective support and encouragement to our leaders in Copenhagen so that an effective global agreement can be reached for the health and well being of our children and all future generations.” 

The vigil, open to all, will take place on Saturday, December 12 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.  The location is Garden Square, outside Brampton’s Rose Theatre, at the corner of Main and Queen Streets.  Political representatives from all four federal parties and Mayors in attendance are invited to start off the vigil with brief presentations, and will be available to speak to the media at that time.  Media representatives are welcomed. Participants are requested to bring candles or battery operated lights and to assist by grouping for photos to be posted the next day on the AVAAZ around-the-world event website. 

Press or general attendance queries can be sent to thaiajones@gmail.com or phoned to Thaia Jones at 905-276-9290.