Global Work Party 10-10-10

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

October 8, 2010

OTTAWA — October 10th, 2010, marks a global day of action on climate change. Known as Global Work Party 10-10-10, the day will see Greens across the world ‘getting to work’ in demonstrations and activities to raise awareness about the climate crisis. Green Leader Elizabeth May will be planting trees in Haliburton, Ontario, with her family and local Green supporters. “That the climate day of action falls on the same weekend as Thanksgiving can help to remind us to be thankful for all that a beneficial climate system has given us and have gratitude for the wonders of nature that sustains humanity and all living beings. It is now our turn to give back by taking action on climate change and ensure the world remains liveable,” said May.

The 10-10-10 campaign is spearheaded by the international group 350.org, founded by U.S. author Bill McKibben. 350.org emphasizes creative action, anything from awareness raising rallies to community oriented activities such as building bike paths, with a common goal of cutting carbon 80% by 2050. So far, thousands of groups in more than one hundred and fifty countries have pledged to hold an activity on October 10th.

“The incredible outpouring of energy and optimism that occurs on these special days of action should be a wake-up call to our political leaders that the public is ready for governments to move forward in dealing with the climate crisis. We know that change is needed and we are ready to do the work – individually and as a global community,” said Adriana Mugnatto-Hamu, Climate Change critic.

“An important action that we urge the federal government to take right away is to eliminate subsidies to the fossil fuel sector. Renewable energy is a much better investment and creates more jobs over time,” said Green Climate Critic Adriana Mugnatto-Hamu. “Canada is losing about 2 billion a year in revenue by providing subsidies to fossil fuels; all of that money could be invested in the transition to green energy.”

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Contact Information:
Debra Eindiguer
Press Secretary
Green Party of Canada
C: 613.240.8921
media@greenparty.ca
www.greenparty.ca