Day of Action- Dogwood Initiative- May 30th, 2015

We recently checked out the Day of Action for the Beyond Coal campaign on May 30th, 2015. Here are two interviews we had at the Day of Action. Arie Ross is the provincial organizer for the Beyond Coal movement at Dogwood initiative. Laura Benson is the campaign director for the Beyond Coal movement at Dogwood initiative.

Arie Ross-

1) Can you tell us more about this day of action?
We are calling it Public Awareness Saturday. We are raising awareness and talking to folks about the impending threat involving the coal port at Fraser Surrey Docks. People are petitioning and asking citizens to join our cause or to sign our petition.

2) Why do you think its important to be aware of this issue?
Lack of decision making for the everyday person is a cause for concern. Us citizens are getting very minimal health assessments or environmental assessments on the impact of such things as the coal ports. We are trying to reclaim that decision making power for the people. Everyday citizens need to have a say in these types of things.

3) Can you give us a little more info about the impact of coal on such things as environment and health?- 

In terms of the impact of air quality and water quality, we have seen massive clouds of coal from coal ports in Delta. Coal dust can be carcinogenic, which can obviously cause a massive variety of issues. Asthma is very prevalent in children who study near these coal ports and rail lines. Environmental concerns include water quality, air quality, climate, and the depletion of the fish population along the Fraser river.


Laura Benson-

1) Can you tell us more about this day of action?
Earlier this month (May), Fraser Surrey Docks announced that they want to build coal ports along the Fraser to ship US thermal coal and send them off to Asian powerplants. Today, Dogwood came out to spread the word of the risks and hazards associated with that project, and to build grassroots power in order to stop it.

2) Why do you think its important to be aware of this issue?
It has all sorts of significant impacts in the future of this city and region, as well as the global climate. Sending more thermal coal to Asia to be burned increases greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. In terms of the local threat, there are health risks associated with transporting coal, coal dust, noise etc. Also, the environmental impact is huge as well. BC has one of the worlds largest salmon rivers. We don't know how coal traffic can affect fish populations and water quality in the long term. Standing here in New Westminster, you can see how this city has invested in a new, sustainable community for itself. It is just the absolute opposite from the investment in 19th century carbon across the river. There is multiple impacts and people have a right in knowing what those are, and fighting for a better future for the community.

3) Well that answers our next question! And so we'll ask about the economic alternatives. Economically speaking, what could be the alternatives to such materials as coal?-
Certainly! First off, our water fronts are extremely busy. Vancouver is the biggest port in Canada. We ship all sorts of things, such as grain, lentils, soybeans, gravel, wood products, etc. There's any number of alternatives. We could also invest in greener alternatives. Right now, Fraser Surrey Docks exports steel for recycling, which is much more environmentally friendly than coal. Importing solar panels and wind turbines is an option as well. There is an endless amount of opportunity to invest in the future instead of the past.

Special thanks to Arie and Laura for taking part in these interviews! Check out a few pictures that we took of the Day of Action below. We wish Arie, Laura, Dogwood Initiative, and their partners the best in their Beyond Coal campaign!