“I’m marching for” --- Nov 29 2014
I fell in love with winter when I started snowboarding a few years ago. The rush of fresh mountain air at the summit, the sunbeams glistening on the snowpack, the whispers of treetops rustling in the wind - winter is paradoxically exhilarating and calming.
Season after season, it quickly became clear that something was not right. One year it was too hot, then next year the Northeastern U.S. was submerged under a Polar Vortex. I had heard about climate change, and knew there was a connection between rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns. But what could be done?
On 21 September, 2014, approximately 400,000 people gathered in New York City for the People's Climate March, making history as the largest march for climate action in the world. New Yorkers and Americans joined solidarity events hosted in over 166 countries, the most remote locale being Tanzania with 500 Maasai peoples marching, according to campaign organizer Avaaz. Organized by 350.org, Avaaz, The Sierra Club, Climate Justice Alliance and the Service Employees International Union, the march was timed to raise awareness for the people's voice ahead of the United Nations Summit on Climate Change. The summit is intended to kickstart a year-long discussion on climate change solutions, with countries agreeing to commit to specific targets in emissions reduction and related climate policies in Paris of next year.
Through posters across the city, my Twitter feed and emails from campaign organizers, it was clear to me that the People's Climate March was the place to be if I wanted to really learn about climate science and policy. The march was divided into key messages that clearly communicated each group's stance. [see assembly pic, source: peoplesclimate.org] I was instantly drawn to these messages. They were accessible and easy to understand. Every organization represented had a stake in the outcome of climate policy. I felt compelled to move from awareness to action.
The day began gloomy and overcast; rain threatened to dampen the event in the morning. But that didn't stop the crowds from turning out.
As a New Yorker, I was humbled and energized by the turnout and diversity of the march. Everyone was there - activists, scientists, professors, families, students, sustainable business leaders, snowboarders and outdoor sports enthusiasts, religious groups, human rights organizations, celebrities and politicians such as U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio, actors Mark Ruffalo and Leonardo DiCaprio. We spilled out into the streets, waving banners and slogans of bright colors and bold messages. Every message was represented - from anti fracking to glacial melt to renewable energy and many more.
What struck me most was the voice of the people. Everyone had a sign where they could write a personal reason why they were marching. Marching for family, future generations and children puts the climate conversation in a long-term perspective; action now leads to a better future. Still others were marching to raise awareness and promote environmental conservation, such as coral reefs, the Galapagos Islands, forests and of course "the last glacier."
"I'm marching for" is a strong declarative call to action for all peoples, those in the march and those still wondering how to get involved. "I'm marching for" can empower us to do something, no matter how big or small.
Through our personal involvement, we can make a collective impact. This year's People's Climate March will be remembered as a time when we stood with each other, for each other.
For more information on the global climate marches, please visit peoplesclimate.org
For more photos of the NYC march, please visit www.dianabhaktul.com