The March: On Sunday, September 21, over 400,000 people congregated in New York City to fight against climate change and advocate for an economic and political system that takes action to address the environmental issues across the planet. Folks represented a variety of focus areas, from anti-fracking to anti-big oil to veganism to food justice to clean air.
WWNO’s Coastal Desk wanted to know to what degree the issues in Louisiana are on the national radar. They pulled people from the crowd to hear what they knew about the Gulf Coast:
River Allies: Mike Jonak marched down 42nd Street brandishing a sign that read “Gulf Coast Resistance: Stop Tarsands” — but don’t assume he’s from the Gulf Coast. “Since we’re at the other end of the Mississippi, we thought we’d carry this one for New Orleans,” explained Jonak, who lives in Minneapolis.
Hear more here:
Restore the Earth: After Superstorm Sandy, many East Coasters know what it’s like to feel vulnerable during Hurricane Season. When asked where she lives, Francesca Reanin replied: "On the front lines of climate change: Eastern Long Island." Reanin took a breather on the sidelines with 10-year old Paloma, who held a homemade sign that read "Keep the oil in the ground." Reanin doesn’t know the struggles of the Gulf Coast firsthand, but works for the organization called Restore the Earth and is involved in a 10,000 acre reforestation project in Louisiana.
Hear more here:
We Are Our Own Dinosaurs: Julia Meeks found a way to get people’s attention. Meeks carried a sign that on one side read “I’m Sure The Dinosaurs Thought They Had Time Too.” “This is an accessible way to bring up that climate issues are serious that if we don’t do something about it now, so let’s be aware of that and that’s what we’re calling for today.” Meeks is from California and now lives in New York. She’s keeping tabs on what’s happening down south. “I know that in terms of raising sea levels is certainly something that Louisiana’s going to have to confront.”
Hear more here:
The Sounds: There were a lot of great noises at the march. Like people cheering:
And people chanting:
The Summit: On Tuesday, September 23, many world leaders are gathering for the 2014 Climate Summit (hosted by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon) to plan for and advance climate action.
According to it’s website, The Climate Summit is about "action and solutions that are focused on accelerating progress in areas that can significantly contribute to reducing emissions and strengthening resilience — such as agriculture, cities, energy, financing, forests, pollutants, resilience and transportation."
Keep tabs on the action using the hashtag #climate2014
Support for WWNO's Coastal Desk comes from the Walton Family Foundation, the Greater New Orleans Foundation, and the Kabacoff Family Foundation.