Copenhagen close to home

Credit: Flickr / NRBelex

In lieu of a plane flight to the Copenhagen climate talks, head downtown Saturday for Vancouver’s contribution to the global day of action

Though Mayor Gregor Robertson heads to Copenhagen today to tell the world of Vancouver’s “greenest city” credentials and cleantech aspirations, he still intends to participate in the city’s local contribution to The World Wants A Real Deal global day of action on Saturday, December 12, 2009.

Hosted by TckTckTck/350 at the downtown Vancouver Public Library, the Official TckTckTck Signature Wall & Vigil event offers Cop15 delegate-wannabes a chance to send world leaders a message calling for real action on climate change.

Telecasting from Copenhagen, the mayor will announce the opening of the Signature Wall, inviting city residents to join the hundreds of thousands around the globe who are adding their names (and a personal message) to a petition pledging, “I am ready for our leaders to sign a global climate deal in Copenhagen that is ambitious, fair and binding.”

Watch Mayor Robertson’s video invitation to the Signature Wall & Vigil event:

The day’s schedule includes the panel discussion Climate Leadership From Within at 11 a.m. to noon with Ashley Webster, City Councillor Andrea Reimer, Emily Chan and Paul Lock, on climate change, Copenhagen and the potential for leadership from Canada’s cities.

At noon, the TckTckTck Signature Wall opens with with Mayor Robertson (on video), MLA Mable Elmore, Oxfam Canada, VTACC and the Wilderness Committee, followed by Banghra Dance for the Planet until 12:45 p.m.

At 3 p.m. a flashlight/bikelight vigil will begin with KAIROS Canada. No candles are allowed on the VPL grounds but they will be permitted for the 4:30 p.m. candle vigil continuation at the Vancouver Art Gallery. At 5 p.m. participants will walk in candlelight procession back to the VPL.