CLIMATE ACTIVISM In the past few years, climate activists have become more vocal about the need for world leaders and everyday citizens to recognize the warning signs of climate change, and its possible repercussions. As Romi and Smith in O.P.C. are aware, environmental activism has a strong tradition in U.S. politics. Recently, a new generation of activists have been organizing demonstrations and lobbying on a global scale. Here are a few of the most visible recent climate-oriented activist movements and actions:
350.org
Blockadia
Founded by writer and environmentalist Bill McKibben, this international organization advocates reducing the amount of CO2 in Earth’s atmosphere to 350 ppm. Through online campaigns, grassroots organizing, and mass public actions, 350.org raises awareness about and pushes for action on climate change.
This anti-tar sands and pipeline movement has galvanized communities across North America and introduced several key activist tactics: normalization of direct action in land defense, involvement of rural communities and indigenous peoples, and the politicization of even those who support fracking and long-range pipelines.
People’s Climate March and #FloodWallStreet On September 21 and 22, 2014, thousands of people marched in New York City, with solidarity demonstrations around the globe, to call on world leaders to take action on global warming and protest the role of Wall Street financial institutions in global climate change. An estimated 400,000 people participated in the People’s Climate March on Sunday, with smaller numbers appearing on Wall Street—and more than 100 people arrested—the following day. Both protests were timed in advance of the United Nations Climate Summit, held in New York City on September 23.
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