Massive Protests in New York Demand Climate Action from Biden and World Leaders
Tens of thousands of people, young and old, flooded the streets of Midtown Manhattan on Sunday to demand urgent action on climate change and a swift transition away from fossil fuels. The protesters directed their frustration at President Biden, who is scheduled to attend fundraisers in New York and address the United Nations General Assembly session this week.
Emma Buretta, a 17-year-old New York City high school student and organizer with the Fridays for Future movement, passionately addressed the crowd, proclaiming, “Biden, you should be scared of us. If you want our vote and do not want the blood of future generations on your hands, end fossil fuels.”
While the Biden administration has made significant strides in passing ambitious climate legislation and promoting renewable energy sources, it continues to approve permits for new oil and gas drilling. This has angered many of Biden’s traditional supporters, as well as progressive lawmakers who demand the declaration of a climate emergency and an end to all new fossil fuel production.
The protests in New York were just one of many events held around the world, including Germany, England, Senegal, South Korea, and India. These demonstrations mark the largest displays of climate activism since before the COVID-19 pandemic. They come after an incredibly hot summer exacerbated by global warming and record-breaking profits for oil and gas companies.
The New York protest saw a diverse range of participants, including healthcare workers, activists, religious leaders, labor representatives, scientists, and students. The demonstration showcased creative forms of expression, with homemade signs, banners, and artistic performances. The undeniable passion and determination of the protesters was evident throughout the march.
Brenna Two Bears, a 28-year-old Indigenous activist, attended the protest to protect Mother Earth and prevent the exploitation of natural resources for corporate greed. Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland and climate campaigner, criticized the $7 trillion in subsidies that governments worldwide spent on oil and gas drilling last year, stating that we are subsidizing our own destruction.
The protests signify a shift in the message and tone of climate advocates who are growing increasingly frustrated with the expansion of fossil fuel projects alongside false promises of carbon capture technologies.
Scientific models and the International Energy Agency have emphasized the need to halt new oil, gas, and coal projects to maintain a safe level of atmospheric warming.
While the demonstrations were predominantly peaceful, climate protests are becoming more confrontational in response to the lack of action. Some activists have resorted to disruptive actions, such as throwing pies at glass-covered paintings or gluing themselves to oil company buildings.
In Lower Manhattan, civil disobedience actions are planned for Monday. Protesters are particularly angry that this year’s U.N. climate negotiations will take place in the United Arab Emirates, a major oil-producing state, under the leadership of Sultan al-Jaber, the head of the Emirati state-owned oil giant, ADNOC.
Organizers of the New York event used the protest as an opportunity to send a clear message to President Biden as he embarks on his re-election campaign: do more if you want our votes.
Rafael Chavez, who represents immigrant workers through the Nuevo Labor organization, expressed concern for the vulnerabilities faced by his community due to climate impacts. Daphne Frias, a climate activist, called for the United States, especially the Global North, to take responsibility for the harm and pollution caused by their actions.
Although there is a sense of frustration, a festive atmosphere permeated through the protest, with participants aiming to spread joy and connection. Michelle Joni, a Brooklyn resident, brought a converted school bus equipped with a dance floor, emphasizing that joy is the fuel for ending fossil fuels.
The protests in New York and around the world reflect a growing urgency for climate action and a strong demand for leaders to prioritize the planet’s well-being over corporate interests. It remains to be seen how policymakers will respond, but the voices of those demanding change are louder than ever.