Five years after Greta Thunberg marched in Montreal, there are scheduled climate marches around Quebec

Five years ago today, Montreal became the center of global attention as 500,000 people marched through its streets demanding action on climate change, joined by activist Greta Thunberg.

On September 27, 2019, a diverse crowd, from young children to students, parents, and teachers, flooded downtown Montreal in what became one of the largest climate protests in Canadian history.

Emma Lim, an activist with Climate Strike Canada, reflected on the march in 2020, describing the emotional experience of seeing such a massive turnout after months of preparation. “People as far as you can see... there was a lot of tears and smiles,” she said.

Thunberg also met with Canadian politicians during her visit, and while promises were made, activists argue that government actions in the following years have been insufficient.

Albert Lalonde, co-spokesperson for Ceves Climate Action Group, expressed frustration, noting, “We organized the biggest protest in the history of the country, how is it that no government pays attention when it comes to policy? It’s really discouraging and shows us we need to go further.”

In response, more Climate Strikes are planned across Quebec on Friday, with around two dozen events scheduled. One of the major demonstrations, organized by Pour la suite du monde, will take place in Montreal at 6 p.m. at the Monument George-Étienne Cartier.

These strikes come after a summer of extreme weather in Quebec, which saw record heat waves, heavy rains, and flooding from the remnants of hurricanes. Montreal experienced its rainiest season on record in 2023.

Additionally, forest fires in northern Quebec caused widespread smog, leaving Montreal with some of the worst air quality in the world at times.

Friday’s marches will not only demand more robust action to address the climate crisis but also call for society to be consulted on long-term solutions that will impact future generations.