Seniors for Climate Action Now! (SCAN!) is a climate action group that emphasizes “Now” in its name – because the future is not something we wait for; it’s something we create today. The word “Now” is not just a moment in time. It refers to the present moment, emphasizing urgency and the need for prompt action that we should not ignore. If not immediately, it means within a very short time, not within months or years.
As seniors, we’re not just fighting for our own future. We’re fighting for the future of the next generation. We’re demanding action because our governments are moving at a glacial pace, and we know we can’t afford to wait. The clock is ticking, and it’s time for bold, decisive action to protect the planet our children and grandchildren will inherit. We owe it to them to act “Now”, and we won’t back down until we see meaningful change.
The urgency of the climate crisis resonates deeply with Canadians from coast to coast, and it’s clear why SCAN!’s message of “Now” is striking a chord. As people witness the devastating impacts of climate change firsthand – from intensifying wildfires to unpredictable weather patterns – they’re increasingly demanding action. SCAN!’s grassroots momentum reflects a growing recognition that collective action can drive change, and its expanding presence across Canada is a testament to the power of community-driven advocacy for a sustainable future. This is the reason SCAN! is growing (now over 800 members and 10 chapters strong) and spreading across Canada.
The word “Now” in our name is more than just a word – it’s a call to action, a reminder that every moment counts in the fight against climate change. It’s a rallying cry for those who refuse to accept the status quo and are determined to forge a better future for all. By emphasizing “Now”, we’re underscoring the urgency of the crisis and the need for immediate, collective action to ensure a livable planet for generations to come.
With CO2 levels surpassing 430 parts per million for the first time (a May monthly average of 430.2 for 2025, an increase of 3.5 ppm over May 2024 at the Mauna Loa Observatory), the reality of climate change is unfolding faster than anticipated. The 2-degree Celsius threshold, also known as the “2-degree goal”, refers to the aim of limiting global average temperature increase to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with further efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as outlined in the Paris Agreement. 2024 was the first single year to surpass the 1.5 C global warming threshold – now scientists predict that a year above 2 C is possible in the near future.
The 2-degree C threshold, once thought to be a distant warning. is now looming closer, and tipping points that were once theoretical are becoming more tangible. In this critical moment, “Now” means “now” more than ever. We can’t afford to wait for someone else to act – every fraction of the degree matters, and every action counts. The time for change is upon us, and we must act with the urgency the crisis demands.
As the eyes of people are opened wider by the sights of the increasing devastation of climate change, the protests against the slow actions of wilfully blind governments that want to extend the fossil fuel era will grow. We seniors have voices, and we are using them. Young people have voices also and will likely start soon to use them more. They are connected around the world, more than we seniors are, by social media, and their voices will grow much stronger as they unite to speak out. The youth of the world have their faces in books, and online, to learn how to best prepare for their future, but they also know their future will be impacted by climate change. If governments don’t address the “Now” need for action very soon and speed up the world’s transition away from fossil fuels, they will have to deal with the ever-increasing combined forces of the old and the young. They will need to explain to the thousands of seniors and youth groups around the world who are coming together and calling for immediate action to mitigate climate change why they do not see the need for the urgency of the transition “Now”.
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