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ѻýThereѻýs no room for a rib festѻý: protesters shut down Richter and Bernard

Green-shirts peacefully protested over the carnivorous weekend
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A police officer patrols the Bernard Ave. and Richter St. protest on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2019. (Rick Wonnacott)

Two major intersections were shut down for a period of time on Sunday, Aug. 25, by protesters in green shirts advocating for animal rights and climate action.

Seventy-five protesters lined the cross walks at the intersection of Bernard Ave. and Richter St. and Harvey Avenue and Richter Street.

ѻýIn the midst of a climate crisis, thereѻýs no room for a rib fest,ѻý 25-year-old Kelowna Climate Save member Tessa Gordey said. ѻý(Protesting) was not fun for usѻý but we need to wake up and make changes.ѻý

READ MORE: Crash closes Highway 33 in Kelowna

READ MORE: RibFest Kelownaѻýs top moments

RibFest Kelowna spurred the protesters to take a stand, with Kelowna being one of the many meat festival locations that have been met with activists.

Gordey, a vegan of eight years, said the protesters received both support and frustration, but that itѻýs imperative for people to consider what their habits are doing to the planet.

ѻýWhy cause the most amount of harm possible when you can choose the least?ѻý she said.

Proceeds from the volunteer-driven RibFest go towards charities such as the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise, among other international programs.

The hard part for Gordey and fellow protesters, she said, is they know the festivalѻýs proceeds are donated, but the charities are, ironically, helping those most affected by climate change.

Representatives from RibFest Kelowna could not be reached for comment.

Carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide released through livestock production accumulates to 10 per cent of Canadaѻýs greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Canadian government. This is excluding emissions from fossil fuels or fertilizer production.

Outside of Canada, agriculture emissions in developing countries have increased by 32 per cent between 1990 and 2005. The subsequent deforestation and harmful agricultural practices represent about a third of global emissions, according to Agri-Food Canada.



David Venn
Reporter,
Email me at david.venn@kelownacapnews.com
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