Bio/About: Gracen Johnson is a student at the University of Guelph. She is very involved on her university campus and, among other activities, volunteers with Oxfam Guelph and the Centre for International Programs.

My take: If something desperately needs to be done, what excuse do I have not to do it?

Yes, the same question that compels me to wake up at an ungodly hour to lug the recycling out to the curb also sent me on a 10-month journey to Fill the Hill. Something desperately needs to be done about Canada's climate game plan, which at present could be described as simply beating around the bush.

It is only natural for me to take action on climate change - nothing but basic citizenship. Knowing the seriousness of the climate crisis, it would be inconceivable for me not to give it my best effort. Furthermore, changing my lifestyle and my light bulbs is not going to cut it for the country and certainly not for the whole world. Canada needs legislative action and a veritable shift to the new green economy.

The real kicker about the climate crisis is that it's a sneaky little devil in a slow-moving system. You take baby steps at annual international meetings and next thing you know, arctic sea ice is melting faster than even pessimistic scientific projections. What's more, the problems or progress we develop today don't immediately swing back and hit us in the face. They are shared by the borderless atmosphere and manifest themselves in ways that are not always obvious to us. Nevertheless, Canadians need to know that this issue is changing the way the world perceives our country - we are internationally disdained as the climate laggard. Also, our own communities and landscapes are not immune to the consequences of a changing climate.

Last December, I was actively not studying for my exams. The outlet this time was watching all the video podcasts on my computer. In one clip, David Suzuki was featured on The Hour, talking to George about the success of One Million Acts of Green, but stressing the need for government action on climate change. He shared the advice of a former prime minister; to paraphrase, if you want change, fill Parliament Hill. Well, with instructions as clear as that, what was I waiting for?

I quickly found that Canada was starving for this - the whole world was, actually. Oct. 24, 2009, is the International Day of Climate Action when 350.org will be networking over 3,550 events in over 160 countries. C-Day: Fill The Hill is the largest in Canada.

Other than providing a fun way to hit the streets for the deciding issue of our generation, C-Day aims to make climate change a political priority. We want to inspire active citizenship from Canadians and a commitment to climate justice from our Parliament. The time to act is now, before temperatures exceed threshold levels and it really is too late.

While the situation is rather dire, I find my peace of mind in trying to meet the challenge with all I've got in me. I am not alone. So where will you be on Oct. 24? 'Cause we've got this thing on the Hill...and you're going to want to be there.