“Good Earth Day evening!” With those cheerful words, Deirdre Pike welcomed Anglicans from across Niagara and beyond to an Earth Day conversation rooted in faith, community, and a deep commitment to protecting the planet we all share. Hosted by Climate Justice Niagara on April 22, Our Power, Our Planet combined prayer, education, advocacy, and action in a vibrant online gathering that planted seeds of hope for the future.
Pike, the Justice and Outreach Program Consultant for the Diocese of Niagara, opened the evening by posing two important questions: What do you need to know to use your power for the good of our planet? What tools do you need for action and advocacy?
Climate Action Starts at the Ballot Box
Bruce McKenzie, chair of Climate Justice Niagara, grounded the gathering with a prayer from the late Pope Francis’s Laudato Si, calling for unity with all creation. (The pope had just died the day before.) A special video message from former federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna followed. McKenna stressed the vital role of voting in advancing climate action and urged participants to hold politicians accountable for protecting the Earth. She congratulated Climate Justice Niagara for its work on Zero Emission Churches and encouraged participants to stay hopeful, recognizing the challenging work that is environmental justice.
Mini Forests, Big Impact
Giuliana Casimirri, Executive Director of Green Venture, introduced the idea of mini forests: small, dense plantings of native trees that restore ecosystems faster than conventional methods. Casimirri shared success stories from Hamilton, where mini forests are already cooling neighborhoods, increasing biodiversity, and storing carbon at impressive rates. (See sidebar story on Niagara mini forests.) Participants were encouraged to consider starting mini forest projects on church grounds or in their communities, with support available through Green Venture.
Highway 413: Protecting Farmland and Forests
The Honourable Deb Schulte, a former Member of Parliament and passionate advocate for environmental justice, began with an overview of how the climate crisis, biodiversity and habitat loss, and affordability are interconnected. She then zoomed in on the proposed Highway 413, warning that it would destroy vital farmland, wetlands, and increase urban sprawl, all while delivering little in terms of affordability. “This is not how we solve climate change,” Schulte said. She urged participants to advocate for better alternatives and to join movements like Stop the 413 Now. Quoting Margaret Mead, Schulte reminded participants: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
From Learning to Action
In small breakout groups, participants reflected on how they could better use their power to advocate for the planet. Ideas shared included tree planting projects, parish-based green initiatives, and political advocacy efforts. The Reverend Fran Wallace, a member of the CJN Steering Committee, and Rector of St. Aidan’s, Oakville, closed the evening with a prayer of gratitude and courage, sending participants out renewed for the work ahead.
Calling on the spirit of Pope Francis, the evening concluded with, “Hope is not passive. Hope is action. Together, we have the power to protect our planet—and to do so joyfully, faithfully, and courageously.”
Click here to learn about the growth of the Communion Forest in Niagara.
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