International climate activist 'trikes' through the Sault

A French activist who has been cycling across the globe to spread awareness about climate change arrived in the Sault on Tuesday.

For the last four years, David Ligouy has been riding a solar-powered electric assist trike — a cumbersome mission that has taken him to 27 countries and across more than 40,000 km.

Concerned with peace, climate change, and the loss of biodiversity, the 52-year-old says the time to act is now.

“We’re on the sixth mass extinction, but even worse, it’s the first mass extinction done by humans — it’s never happened before,” he says. “Sixty per cent of biodiversity and 60 per cent of the trees are gone. We have to act very quickly.”

Ligouy is with a non-government organization called Le Mouvement de la Paix (Peace), which had recent success in a national trial conviction against the French government for not addressing climate action.

He also played a role in the "Treaty of Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons," which was the first-ever legally binding international agreement that includes a comprehensive set of prohibitions on nuclear weapons. Those efforts came into effect in 2021.

Ligouy explains that recent disasters like hurricane Ian in Florida are nature’s way of telling us that swift action is needed to protect the planet.

“We have to stabilize the curve of greenhouse gas, and the gas effect it produces,” he says. “That’s why we have chaos everywhere. We have the hurricane in Florida — that’s why we need to act.”

Ligouy lost his twin brother seven years ago, and he says a spiritual experience following his passing enlightened him to support climate change endeavours in a bigger way.

“I got a connection for two hours with him,” he says. “He started explaining things to me about the planet and saying that we’re in trouble. He told me I should do more about climate change, nuclear weapons, and biodiversity.”

Of all the countries Ligouy has visited on his biking tour, he says Canada has taken charge in many different avenues when it comes to encouraging climate-friendly actions and various biodiversity efforts.

“Canada is leading the way now for biodiversity,” he says. “There are many wind turbines and lots of e-bikes in Canada. It’s really nice to see.”

With a Master of Science degree specializing in renewable energy and appropriate technology for developing countries, Ligouy is looking forward to spreading his message to Canadians as his journey across the country continues.

He’s hoping to arrive in Sudbury in the next few days before heading down to southern Ontario.

Ligouy intends to complete his Canadian journey in Montreal, where he’ll attend the World Politicians Expert Speakers Biodiversity Summit Conference in December.

His recent book, Able to be Human, which details his experiences around the globe, is also available for free on his website.