Manhattan Climate Protests Explained, Who are the people involved?

On Sunday, tens of thousands of climate activists gathered in New York City for a "march to end fossil fuels." Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spoke to the crowd, emphasizing the need for the movement to grow larger and more radical to make a significant impact.

She criticized the approval of fossil fuel projects in the US, including the controversial Willow project in Alaska, authorized earlier this year by the Biden administration. Ocasio-Cortez stressed the goal of ending fossil fuel use worldwide and called for global street protests to create urgency.

She also highlighted the increasing pressure on the fossil fuel industry despite its record profits, emphasizing the need for a democratic restructuring of the economy to address climate change.

Organizers estimated that 50,000 to 75,000 people attended the march, making it one of the largest climate marches in the US in recent years. The exact crowd size was not confirmed by the NYPD.

Climate Week NYC kicked off with a bang as thousands of climate activists took to the streets of Manhattan on September 18, 2023. The protesters, who arrived wearing gas masks and melting-snowman costumes, carried signs calling for an end to the burning of fossil fuels. The police arrested over 100 protesters outside the Federal Reserve Bank of New York building.

What to know about Climate Week

Climate Week NYC is an annual event that takes place in New York City. The Climate Group organizes it and focuses on the issue of global warming as one of the largest events. The summit brings together international leaders from business, government, and civil society to showcase global climate action.

The United Nations General Assembly partners with the event every year and the United Nations and the City of New York coordinate its operation. It includes a series of actions, protests, and events aimed at raising awareness about global warming.

This year, Climate Week NYC was held from September 17-24, 2023.

Who are the key leaders gathering?

Among the key leaders attending Climate Week NYC are Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) and California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), whose state just filed a broad lawsuit against some of the world’s largest oil and gas companies over damage from storms and wildfires.

The White House is also sending several top climate deputies, including U.S. special climate envoy John F. Kerry, senior adviser John Podesta and White House national climate adviser Ali Zaidi.

Purpose of protest

• A March to End Fossil Fuels: The central objective of the Manhattan Climate Protests was to demand an end to fossil fuel use. Participants passionately advocated for transitioning away from fossil fuels to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. This call echoed a global sentiment that addressing climate change requires phasing out fossil fuels.
• Urgent Action and Global Awareness: The protesters strategically planned the protests to coincide with world leaders' gathering near the United Nations headquarters, aiming to raise global awareness and pressure world leaders to take decisive climate action during their meetings.
• Challenging Fossil Fuel Approvals: Protesters issued an open letter to President Biden, urging his administration to stop approving new fossil fuel extraction projects and phase out existing production. This highlighted the need for policy changes and strengthened environmental regulations to align with climate goals.

Protesters demand Biden halt fossil fuels

The protesters issued an open letter to President Biden ahead of the protests, calling for his administration to end approving more fossil fuel extraction and phase out existing production. During the 2020 campaign, Biden promised to stop permitting new drilling on federal lands and waters, but following through has proved difficult legally.

Climateweek NYC is all about getting it done. Through celebrating climate action, challenging ourselves to do more, and exploring ways to increase ambition, ClimateWeek NYC inspires, amplifies and scrutinizes the commitments, policies and actions of those with the power to make change happen.

Keep Reading

• Jammu and Kashmir facing worst impact of climate change
• Climate Change impacts: Kashmir’s agri and horti sectors at risk
• Climate change leaves Kashmir villages without water
• Climate Change: Impact of Untimely Snowfall on Nomads of Kashmir
• Why are Sheep dying in Kashmir?

Follow Ground Report for Climate Change and Under-Reported issues in India. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Koo App, Instagram, Whatsapp and YouTube. Write us on [email protected]