New York Climate Week: Tens of Thousands Protest for the End of Fossil Fuels
Introduction
Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in New York City on Sunday to protest against the use of fossil fuels and demand urgent action on climate change. The protesters emphasized that the future of our planet and their own lives depend on the elimination of coal, oil, and natural gas, which are the main contributors to climate change. The protest was part of New York Climate Week, an annual event that brings together world leaders, activists, and experts to discuss and find solutions to the global climate crisis.
The Call for Action
The protesters directed their frustration and anger towards US President Joe Biden, urging him to take bold steps to combat climate change. They called on him to stop approving new oil and gas projects, let existing ones expire, and declare a climate emergency with greater executive powers. The youth protest group Fridays for Future, represented by 17-year-old Emma Buretta, emphasized the power of the people and urged Biden to end fossil fuels to secure a better future for the next generation.
A Powerful Display of Unity
The March to End Fossil Fuels attracted a diverse range of participants, including politicians such as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and actors Susan Sarandon, Ethan Hawke, Edward Norton, Kyra Sedgewick, and Kevin Bacon. However, the real action took place on Broadway, where protesters filled the streets to demand a safer and more sustainable future. The overwhelming majority of participants were female, and the rally saw a significant number of first-time protesters.
Awareness About the Consequences
Protesters expressed increasing urgency and fear about the future, highlighting personal experiences of extreme weather events. Sociologist Dana Fisher, who studies environmental movements, conducted interviews with march participants and found that 86% of them had recently experienced extreme heat, 21% had experienced flooding, and 18% had experienced severe drought. These firsthand experiences fueled their determination to fight for meaningful climate action.
Criticism of Biden and Global Leaders
Many of the protest organizers and participants expressed disappointment with President Biden for overseeing increased drilling for oil and fossil fuels. They called on him to prioritize the well-being of the planet and future generations over short-term economic gains. Additionally, they criticized the absence of leaders from countries that contribute the most to carbon pollution at the United Nations Summit organized by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. They emphasized that only countries that promise new concrete measures to address climate change should have a platform to speak at the summit.
The Global Impact
Environmental activists estimate that almost a third of the oil and gas drilling planned worldwide by 2050 will be in the interests of the USA. It is crucial to recognize that the United States has released more heat-trapping carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than any other country over the past century. However, China now emits more carbon pollution annually. The protest in New York aimed to raise awareness about the urgent need to phase out fossil fuels to ensure the survival of our planet in the face of climate change.
Unique Insights and Perspectives
While the protest in New York City made headlines, it is essential to delve deeper into the subject matter and explore related concepts to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issue. The following insights provide a broader perspective on the global climate crisis:
The Economic Case for Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels
While the oil and gas industry contends that their products are critical to the economy, it is essential to consider the long-term economic implications of continued reliance on fossil fuels. Transitioning to renewable energy sources presents significant economic opportunities, including job creation in the clean energy sector and reduced healthcare costs associated with air pollution-related illnesses. Several studies have shown that investing in renewables can stimulate economic growth and lead to a more sustainable and resilient economy.
The Role of Individuals and Communities
While global leaders play a crucial role in driving policy change, individual actions and community initiatives also have a significant impact on mitigating climate change. From adopting sustainable lifestyle choices to advocating for renewable energy projects at a local level, individuals and communities can contribute to the transition away from fossil fuels. Grassroots movements and community-led initiatives have proven effective in driving meaningful change and inspiring others to take action.
Innovations and Technological Advances
The fight against climate change requires innovative solutions and technological advancements. Over the years, significant progress has been made in renewable energy technologies, energy storage systems, and sustainable transport options. Embracing these advancements and investing in research and development can accelerate the clean energy transition and help address the challenges posed by fossil fuel dependency.
Summary
The protest in New York during Climate Week served as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to take action against climate change and the detrimental impact of fossil fuel use. Tens of thousands of demonstrators voiced their concerns and called on US President Joe Biden to prioritize the environment and declare a climate emergency. The protest attracted participants from different backgrounds, highlighting the broad support for climate action. While global leaders have a crucial role to play, individual actions and community initiatives are also instrumental in addressing the climate crisis. Transitioning to renewable energy sources, investing in clean technologies, and adopting sustainable lifestyles are key steps towards creating a better and more sustainable future for the planet and future generations.
—————————————————-
table {
width: 100%;
border-collapse: collapse;
}
th, td {
padding: 10px;
text-align: left;
border-bottom: 1px solid #006699;
}
th {
background-color: #006699;
color: #FCB900;
}
| Article | Link |
|---|---|
| UK Artful Impressions | Premiere Etsy Store |
| Sponsored Content | View |
| 90’s Rock Band Review | View |
| Ted Lasso’s MacBook Guide | View |
| Nature’s Secret to More Energy | View |
| Ancient Recipe for Weight Loss | View |
| MacBook Air i3 vs i5 | View |
| You Need a VPN in 2023 – Liberty Shield | View |
Tens of thousands of demonstrators protested on Sunday, shouting that the future and their lives depend on the elimination of fossil fuels a week off in which the executives will try again for containment Climate change mainly caused by coal, oil and natural gas.
But protesters say that won’t be enough. And they directed their anger directly at US President Joe Biden, calling on him to stop approving new oil and gas projects, let existing ones expire and declare a climate emergency with greater executive powers.
“We have the power of the people, the power you need to win this election,” said 17-year-old Emma Buretta of Brooklyn of the youth protest group Fridays for Future. “If you want to win in 2024, if you don’t want the blood of my generation on your hands, then end fossil fuels.”
The March to End Fossil Fuels featured politicians such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and actors Susan Sarandon, Ethan Hawke, Edward Norton, Kyra Sedgewick and Kevin Bacon. But the real action was on Broadway, where protesters filled the street, pleading for a better, but not so hot, future. It was the opening salvo of New York Climate Week, where world leaders in business, politics and the arts come together to try to save the planet, highlighted by a new special United Nations Summit on Wednesday.
Many of the leaders of the countries that cause the most carbon pollution will not be present. And they will not speak at the summit organized by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in such a way that only countries that promise new concrete measures will have their say.
Organizers estimated 75,000 people marched Sunday.
“All around the world people are taking to the streets demanding an end to what is killing us,” Ocasio-Cortez told a cheering crowd. “We need to send a message that some of us will be living on this planet in 30, 40, 50 years. And we won’t take no for an answer.”
This protest was much more focused on fossil fuels and industry than previous marches. Sunday’s rally drew a large proportion of first-time protesters, 15%, and was overwhelmingly female, said sociologist Dana Fisher of American University, who studies environmental movements and interviewed march participants.
Of the people Fisher spoke to, 86% had recently experienced extreme heat, 21% had experienced flooding and 18% had experienced severe drought, she said. Most often they reported feeling sad and angry. Earth just went through this hottest summer since records began.
Among the protesters was 8-year-old Athena Wilson of Boca Raton, Florida. She and her mother Maleah flew in from Florida for Sunday’s protest.
“Because we care about our planet,” Athena said. “I really want the earth to be better.”
People in the South, particularly where the oil industry is based, and in the Global South “didn’t feel heard,” said 23-year-old Alexandria Gordon, originally from Houston. “It is frustrating.”
Protest organizers stressed how disappointed they were that Biden, whom many of them supported in 2020, was overseeing increased drilling for oil and fossil fuels.
“President Biden, our lives depend on your actions today,” said Louisiana environmental activist Sharon Lavigne. “If you don’t give up fossil fuels, our blood will be on your hands.”
Environmental activists estimate that almost a third of the oil and gas drilling planned worldwide by 2050 will be in the interests of the USA. Over the past 100 years, the United States has released more heat-trapping carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than any other country, although China now emits more carbon pollution annually.
“You have to phase out fossil fuels to survive on our planet,” said Jean Su, march organizer and director of energy justice at the Center for Biological Diversity.
Protesters and speakers spoke of increasing urgency and fear about the future. The actress known as V, formerly Eve Ensler, premiered the anthem “Panic” from her new climate change-focused musical, scheduled for next year. The refrain is: “We want you to panic. We want you to take action. You stole our future and we want it back.”
Signs included “Even Santa knows coal is bad” and “Fossil fuels are killing us” and “I want a future without fossil fuels” and “Let them stay in the ground.”
That’s because leaders don’t want to acknowledge “the elephant in the room,” said Ugandan climate activist Vanessa Nakate. “The elephant is that fossil fuels are responsible for the crisis. We can’t eat coal. We can’t drink oil and we can’t make new investments in fossil fuels.”
But oil and gas industry officials said their products are critical to the economy.
“We share the urgency to address climate change together and immediately; “Still, eliminating America’s energy options is the wrong approach and would leave American families and businesses relying on unstable foreign regions for higher costs and far less reliable energy,” said Megan Bloomgren, senior vice president of the American Petroleum Institute.
Activists were having none of it.
“The fossil fuel industry chooses to rule and conquer and take and take and take without limits,” said Rabbi Stephanie Kolin of Congregation Beth Elohim of Brooklyn. “And so the water rises and the sky turns orange (from the smoke of the forest fires) and the heat claims lives. “But you, Mr. President, can choose the other path, which is to be a protector of this earth.”
___
The Associated Press’ climate and environmental reporting is supported by several private foundations. Learn more about AP’s climate initiative Here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
—————————————————-