Sunrise activists arrested before VP debate in US, urge climate crisis focus

Hours before the U.S. vice presidential debate on Tuesday, six activists from the youth-led Sunrise Movement were arrested outside CBS News in New York City. The protesters blocked the street, urging debate moderator Norah O'Donnell to ask both candidates about their plans to tackle the fossil fuel-driven climate crisis.

The protest followed Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, which killed 137. The Sunrise Movement, fighting for climate action, renewed calls to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for worsening climate disasters.

Police are now arresting young people outside @CBS
HQ in NYC.

They are protesting to demand tonight's VP debate include a question about climate change and Hurricane Helene.

The media needs to talk about Helene for what it is—Big Oil’s greed destroying our homes. pic.twitter.com/gbOTyr7oJi

— Sunrise Movement 🌅 (@sunrisemvmt) October 1, 2024

"In North Carolina, I've seen towns washed away, buildings underwater, and people begging for help after losing their homes," said 18-year-old Talia Wilson from Asheville told Common Dreams. She criticized Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) and former President Donald Trump for downplaying the climate crisis, noting their ties to the fossil fuel industry.

"We need action now. Big Oil has known for years its actions would lead to disasters like these, but politicians like Vance and Trump still support them for campaign donations," Wilson added. "My friends and neighbors want to hear how both candidates will address the climate crisis and prevent future disasters."

BREAKING: Young people are sitting-in at @CBS HQ in NYC urging Moderator @NorahODonnell to include a question about climate change and Hurricane Helene in tonight's VP debate.

The media needs to talk about Hurricane Helene for what it is—Big Oil’s greed destroying our homes. pic.twitter.com/5YY6udKZzr

— Sunrise Movement 🌅 (@sunrisemvmt) October 1, 2024

The Sunrise Movement is circulating a petition demanding O’Donnell push Vance and Democratic opponent Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to discuss their climate action plans. The petition highlights Vance’s shift on climate change after receiving over $283,000 from the oil and gas industry during his 2022 Senate campaign, according to OpenSecrets.

Sunrise activist Jordan Reif, 24, said Hurricane Helene heavily impacted her family in Georgia. "The damage was unprecedented," Reif said. "Politicians like JD Vance are ignoring this crisis for donations from Big Oil, and CBS News needs to cover it as fossil fuel greed destroying our communities."

Trump’s selection of Vance as his running mate has sparked concern among environmental groups, as Trump pledged to roll back Biden administration climate policies if he returns to office. Reports suggest Trump is seeking $1 billion in campaign contributions from the oil industry.

"Trump and Vance are responding to Hurricane Helene by tweeting prayers while denying climate change," said Sunrise communications director Stevie O'Hanlon. "Scientists say climate change made Helene stronger and deadlier, and without action, this will become the new normal."

The 90-minute vice presidential debate will air live at 9:00 p.m. ET on CBS, where millions of Americans are expected to tune in. Activists hope the candidates address their plans to combat the worsening climate crisis.

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