Events for climate action worldwide to send a powerful message to heads of state gathering at the United Nations Climate Summit: It’s time for “Action, Not Words”
GLOBAL — The weekend of September 19-21, thousands of rallies, marches and protests will take place delivering the biggest global demonstration for climate action in history. The largest will be in New York where upwards of 100,000 people are expected to come together to demand leaders take action in advance of the UN climate summit that takes place on September 23.
“People across the world have been standing up in their communities to confront the power of the fossil fuel industry, which is holding us back. This global movement of ordinary people is extraordinary and will demonstrate its strength this weekend. It will send a powerful message to heads of state demanding action, not words,” says Emma Biermann, Europe Organiser at the international climate campaign 350.org.
More than 2,000 “People’s Climate” events are planned worldwide in 150 countries. Highlights include:
- In rural Papua New Guinea: students from a primary school will march to a nearby lighthouse which has recently become semi-submerged due to rising sea levels.
- In Tanzania, the Maasai plan to march calling for action from their ancient homelands in the Serengeti.
- The border between Vancouver and Seattle will be the location of an international rally where thousands of people will link hands across the boundary line to show that climate change knows no borders.
- In Lagos plans are underway for an historic climate march through the streets of Africa’s largest city. They will be joined by solidarity events in rural areas throughout Nigeria.
- In Rio, thousands are expected to march on the beaches of Ipanema, while images will be broadcast on the statue of Christ the Redeemer in the week building up to the march.
- In Australia, a Climate March will convene in Melbourne, afterwards a group will walk 700 km along the eastern seaboard to the nation’s capital Canberra arriving at the Parliament, to raise awareness about climate impacts.
- In Bogota, Colombia, over 10,000 people are expected to join the march through the capital calling for action.
- In New Delhi, thousands will take over the streets on September 20 to demand a renewable energy revolution.
- In Berlin, a silent parade, a stream of cyclists and a march for children will converge on the Brandenburg gate.
- In Paris, local groups will create the “Paris Marche pour le Climat” with parades, marches, and bicycle rides planned across the bridges of the Seine.
- In Amsterdam, Fossil Free NL will visit pension fund ABP to ask employees if they want the pension fund to divest from fossil fuels.
- In London environment organisations and faith groups are combining forces to create what will be a historic march through the city to the steps of Parliament. A ‘Fossil Free Bloc’ at the march will be chasing giant ‘carbon bubbles’ through the streets demanding divestment from fossil fuels and the end of the industry’s interference in politics.
Celebrities have also begun showing support for the march, including: His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, UN Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity and actor Edward Norton as well Argentine footballer Lionel Messi. [1]
The worldwide mobilisation and march in New York City will take place just before world leaders are set to attend a Climate Summit at the United Nations on September 23 hosted by Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. The summit is designed to build momentum for national and international climate action, including a new global climate treaty that will be finalised in Paris next year. Mobilisation organisers say they are looking for “Action, Not Words” at the summit.
“The scale, pace, and power of the organising happening right now is something that we haven’t seen before,” said May Boeve, executive director of 350.org. “People realise that we can’t leave the fate of the planet up to our politicians. We need to come together, raise our voices, and apply pressure where it counts.”
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EDITORS NOTE:
A full list and detailed information on People’s Climate events are available on the People’s Climate Mobilisation web-platform.
[1] For a full list of celebrity endorsements of the People’s Climate Mobilisation see: peoplesclimate.org/endorsements.