A Global Climate Strike happening next week will be making its way to Chatham-Kent.
The Global Climate Strike, happening September 20 to 27, is planned to take place in over 150 countries across the globe. The date is to coincide with the UN emergency climate summit on September 23.
Chatham resident Micheal Cowtan has taken the reins of bringing the strike to the municipality.
"I am a grandfather, 74 years old, and although I am in good health I am nearing the end of my life. I have seven grandchildren ranging from ages 13 to 27 and I am frightened for their future," said Cowtan. "The news gets worse every day."
The Global Climate Strike website says the purpose of the demonstrations is "to demand an end to the age of fossil fuels and climate justice for everyone." Co-organizer of the CK strike, Rob Girard, said the goal is to let the government know that the concerns over climate change aren't going away anytime soon.
"It's mainly, I think, to make our presence known to the politicians locally, provincially and federally that more and more people are starting to get up in arms about this and we're concerned and that voice is going to get louder," Girard said.
Cowtan echoed those sentiments, saying the strike is about raising awareness.
"I don't know what we expect to accomplish, but some of us feel we can no longer sit idly by and let the politicians deal with it because they are not taking it seriously enough," said Cowtan. "So I guess we just hope to increase awareness in the hope that come October 21, people will vote for the climate."
As for those who may criticize the strike or doubt climate change, Girard said he welcomes them to come have an open conversation during the rally.
"I think in our little neck of the woods, there's going to be hopefully communication, hopefully, some dialogue. I think we'd even welcome people who have a genuine skepticism or genuinely do not know to engage with us," said Girard. "It's got nothing to do with politics. Its got nothing to do with taxation or one-world government or money grabs or all the excuses you hear. It's physics. A molecule of carbon dioxide doesn't care if you're a liberal or conservative or whatever, it's going to do what it's going to do."
Although the local strike will be taking place in front of the Civic Centre in Chatham, Girard said he commends CK's municipal government for their efforts in helping reduce and plan for climate change, efforts that include recently declaring a climate emergency. However, he believes the world as a whole still has great strides to makes.
"When you look at the federal and provincial plans, they're a joke," he said. "They're nowhere near going to meet the Paris Climate Treaty targets that were signed a few years ago. Consequently, these types of events will hopefully get the eye of the politicians."
The Chatham-Kent strike is set to place on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre. Girard said it's open to everyone who wishes to join.
"They can come with an open mind, they can come with questions, they can come with signs," he said. "We're just hoping to get out and have a constructive day of it."