Ice Bear sculpture in Toronto for G8/G20 summits
TORONTO – A life-sized polar bear sculpture, carved from a 10 tonne block of ice, was put on display in Toronto today to raise public awareness about the need for political leadership on climate change at the G8/G20 summits.
The Ice Bear’s appearance was made possible by the organizations Fédération des coopératives du Nouveau-Québec, Équiterre, and WWF-Canada.
“This is a visceral way to bring the interaction between humans and the climate together,” said Zoë Caron, Climate Policy & Advocacy Specialist with WWF-Canada.
“We decided to make this project happen in Canada, since it is such a powerful way to remind us about the impacts of climate change and the need to act. We urge Mr. Harper to take a new turn and let the world know what Canadians really want: urgent action to fight climate change,” said Sidney Ribaux, Executive director of the Québec-based organization Équiterre.
The Ice Bear will be displayed until Saturday (June 26) at Toronto’s Berczy Park. The public is invited to touch the Ice Bear, a symbol of how all humans have the ability to affect our delicate environment. Over the weekend the sculpture will melt to reveal its 500 kg bronze skeleton.
The Ice Bear is the brainchild of British artist Mark Coreth. The ice carving team working under Mr. Coreth’s guidance includes Duncan and Jamie Hamilton from London, England, and Inuit brothers Peter Boy and Juanasie Jack from Puvirnituq in Nunavik (northern Québec). WWF arranged for similar bears to be displayed in London, England, and Copenhagen, Denmark, during the international climate talks, while Équiterre recently showed the Ice Bear in Ottawa, Québec City and Montreal.
Climate change continues to generate tremendous concern among the public. WWF was part of a global online petition that garnered 1,729,458 individuals asking the G8/G20 leaders to provide at least $30 billion US and assistance to help poorer countries adapt to climate change, and increase investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency. The petition was presented to Prime Minister Stephen Harper this week.
Media Resources:
• Photos of the Ice Bear will be available by 2pm from: www.wwf.ca/media
• For Ice Bear information: www.wwf.ca/icebear • www.ourspolaires-glacesephemeres.ca/?lang=en
About the partners:
• WWF is one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with more than 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.
• Équiterre is a non-profit Québec based organization that helps build a social movement by encouraging individuals, organizations and governments to make ecological and equitable choices, in a spirit of solidarity.
• La Fédération des coopératives du Nouveau-Québec is owned by its fourteen member co-ops in the Inuit communities of the Hudson and Ungava coasts of Northern-Québec, or Nunavik, as this region is now called. FCNQ was established in 1967 to provide the rapidly growing cooperative movement with more effective powers and services to help attain their vision – Atautsikut/Together – working to develop as a people, leaving none behind.
For comment:
• Zoë Caron • Climate Policy & Advocacy, WWF-Canada • Cell: 647-993-5251• [email protected] (English, French)
• Sidney Ribaux, Executive Director, Équiterre • Cell: 514-910-2024 (English, French)
Media contacts:
• Dominic Ali • Communications Specialist, WWF-Canada • Cell: 647-203-4701 • [email protected]
• Marie-Ève Roy • Coordonnatrice, Communications, Équiterre • Cell: 514-378-0232 • [email protected]