Climate protest shuts down Burrard Street Bridge (VIDEOS)
After announcing their intentions late last week, protesters shut down the Burrard Street Bridge on Monday, as part what they say is a protest against climate change.
#VanTraffic Burrard Bridge is currently closed to vehicle traffic in both directions.
— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) October 7, 2019
The protest is one of several throughout Canada that was scheduled to take place on bridges in major cities today, organized by the activist group Extinction Rebellion.
On its website, Extinction Rebellion states that beginning on October 7, and lasting for two weeks, the group will “peacefully occupy the centres of power and shut them down until governments act on the climate and ecological emergency.”
Burrard bridge remains closed in both directions, but is still open for cyclists and pedestrians. We do not have an estimated time for reopening at this point.
Thank you for your patience. pic.twitter.com/1LpMGBDVQV
— Cst Lee Marten (@Canuckula) October 7, 2019
The event comes after climate strikes were held in cities all around the world last Friday, including here in Vancouver.
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At the core of its efforts, the group said it has three key demands:
- Governments must tell the whole truth by declaring a climate and ecological emergency;
- Governments must act now to halt biodiversity loss and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2025;
- To get beyond politics, governments must create and be led by the decisions of a citizens’ assembly on climate and ecological justice.
The group says the protests are necessary because “time is running out. We’re almost at the point of no return. The governments are doing nothing. Businesses are doing nothing.”
The group states that “all around the world cities are organizing under the banner of this decentralized movement, preparing for another full-scale international rebellion in late September and October.”
In the meantime, those witnessing the protest today have shared their shots in social media.
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Burrard Bridge in Vancouver shut down both directions over 4 hours now by climate inaction protesters ‘Extinction Rebellion’. pic.twitter.com/IG02F3QyAZ
— Lorna Adams (@LornaAdamsMD) October 7, 2019
Now Burrard Bridge #BridgeOut Vancouver #yvr #vancity pic.twitter.com/qgPDePs03G
— Extinction Rebellion Vancouver (@XRVancouverBC) October 7, 2019
#ExtinctionRebellion #Vancouver Occupying Burrard Bridge right now! pic.twitter.com/yujTqaUTjw
— Danika Dinsmore (@Danika_Dinsmore) October 7, 2019
Here at the foot of the Burrard Bridge in Vancouver. Couple dozen folks getting ready to block traffic with many more waiting to take their place. Here to draw attention to the urgency of the #ClimateEmergency #BridgeOut #ExtinctionRebellion #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/cRTFHuVoTC
— Peter McCartney (@Climate_Pete) October 7, 2019
Thanks to all #ExtinctionRebellion Vancouver #climate #protestors who sang and marched in the rain, closing down Burrard Bridge pic.twitter.com/ApLki4fCv8
— Rachel Rose (@rachelsprose) October 7, 2019
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