Quinte region joins in on day of international demonstrations against climate change

Local youth concerned about climate change held a rally in Belleville’s Market Square Friday afternoon.

Organizer Anissa Nielsen speaks to demonstrators at the Fridays for Future Quinte climate rally at Belleville’s Market Square, September 24, 2021. (Photo: Quinte News/Alana Cameron)

The demonstration organized by Fridays for Future Quinte was among several similar national and international events.

A few dozen people brought signs and used chalk to write messages on the pavement calling for climate justice.

A woman attends the Fridays for Future Quinte climate rally at Belleville’s Market Square, September 24, 2021. (Photo: Quinte News/Alana Cameron)

Anissa Nielsen, a grade 12 student at Centennial Secondary School, was one of the rally’s organizers.

“Honestly, it just comes down to a liveable future where everyone is equal. Environmental justice is very important to me and those in the global south that aren’t contributing to this crisis shouldn’t be the ones suffering.”

Nielsen says she was inspired to see people of all ages at the rally.

“It honestly shows that there’s hope and that people still do care and there is time left we can still change our ways.”

Fridays For Future is an international climate movement inspired by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.

The local chapter was founded in September 2020.

The Toronto chapter held a large rally at the Ontario Legislature Friday while Thunberg took part in a protest in Germany.

A banner from the Fridays for Future Quinte climate rally at Belleville’s Market Square, September 24, 2021. (Photo: Quinte News/Alana Cameron)