Dozens of Sarnia residents gathered on the steps of city hall late Friday afternoon, to call for action on climate change by all levels of government.
They want a climate emergency declaration like those already made by cities including London, Ottawa, and Hamilton.
Main issues include rising temperatures and the increasing density of plastics in the Great Lakes.
Climate Action Sarnia spokesperson Leslie Pullen said there are many things people can do to be more environmentally friendly.
"Planting a native garden supports species," said Pullen. "If you just walk around and take a canvas bag with you everywhere, maybe three or four, and do your shopping with those that makes a significant difference in terms of how many plastic bags are consumed. Sarnia needs to have this conversation. We have Chemical Valley here and we produce that very product, so we really need to look at ourselves."
Pullen said community groups like Return the Landscape and Great Lakes Refill are undertaking projects to make life in the city more sustainable.
Rallies similar to the one in Sarnia were being held around the world Friday, inspired by Nobel Prize nominee Greta Thunberg.
