Millions March Around the World to Demand End to Fossil Fuels

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Map showing global marches between On September 15-17, 2023 demanding an immediate, equitable end to fossil fuelsOn September 15-17, millions marched around the world demanding an immediate, equitable end to fossil fuels.

On September 15-17, millions marched around the world demanding an immediate, equitable end to fossil fuels. This global movement peaked with the March to #EndFossilFuels in New York City on September 17, which preludes the first United Nations Climate Ambition Summit on September 20. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres pressed global leaders to commit to phasing out fossil fuels.

The backdrop for these mobilizations is the intensifying climate crisis, evidenced by recent extreme heatwaves, floods, and severe weather events. As the climate threat grows, so does the worldwide movement for climate justice. These initiatives oppose the fossil fuel industry and its proponents, calling for swift transitions to greener alternatives. They called for a just transition to a renewable energy future that generates millions of jobs while supporting workers’ and community rights, job security, and employment equity.

Over 20,000 demonstrators took to the streets in Manhattan, including a 50-member delegation from New Mexico comprising Indigenous, environmental, youth, and frontline advocates. New Mexico, the second-largest oil producer in the U.S., has witnessed the country’s most significant oil production growth in the past three years. Bernal, Pueblo Action Alliance’s executive director, highlighted the collaboration of New Mexican grassroots movements with global initiatives. Their shared objective is to spotlight the financial exploitation and commodification of natural and cultural assets, demanding that leaders pursue genuine climate action, void of the damaging extraction that has marred their ancestral lands for centuries.

New Mexican representatives also presented a grassroots climate justice declaration to global, national, and state leaders. Supported by over 20 Indigenous and environmental entities, it lists imperative actions that are needed now to ensure a sustainable future. The demands encompass an end to new fossil fuel initiatives, immediate fossil fuel phase-outs, rejecting unproven solutions, emphasizing Indigenous ecological wisdom, and declaring a climate emergency to facilitate a fair transition.

Fridays for Future NYC, a youth-led climate activist group, mobilized high school students for the event. Despite juggling school, SATs, and college applications, these young activists dedicated their summer to organizing, recruiting hub captains from various schools, and expanding youth turnout. Even with the vast coalition for the march, Fridays for Future NYC focused on its community-based approach, ensuring young voices were heard.

The NYC March was supported by 500 organizations, including the NAACP, Sierra Club, the Sunrise Movement, the Center for Biological Diversity, Center for Popular Democracy, Climate Organizing Hub, Food & Water Watch, Fridays For Future USA & NYC, Earthworks, Greenfaith, Indigenous Environmental Network, New York Communities for Change, Oil Change International, and Oil & Gas Action Network.

The climate crisis is urgent, and we cannot afford to wait any longer. We must take action now to end fossil fuels and build a just and sustainable future. Join the movement for climate justice, and let your voice be heard.

11 Days of Global Unity Kicks Off September 11

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Sunflower by r44flyer on flickr
Sunflower by r44flyer on flickr.

The 11 Days of Global Unity occurs annually from September 11 to 21. It’s a global platform connecting local awareness and action initiatives into a powerful international movement. The event spotlights 11 Campaigns for Change, which are:

  • Unity
  • Interdependence
  • Environment
  • Economic Justice
  • Health & Wellness
  • Children & Youth
  • Women
  • Human Rights
  • Freedom
  • Disarmament
  • Peace
  • Sustainability

These campaigns aim to foster values and actions necessary for global peace and a harmonious world. Participants are encouraged to attend local events, join campaigns, volunteer, or make personal commitments toward these initiatives.

One of their standout campaigns is the Environment initiative on September 13th, focused on combating climate emergencies. Key points of this campaign involve promoting investment in clean energy, conserving ecosystems, ensuring access to clean water, reducing pollution, addressing the climate crisis, and supporting sustainable agriculture.

A Journey from Fear to Hope

Originating from the UN’s International Day of Peace which, in 2001, coincided with the 9/11 tragedy, the date was permanently set to September 21st in 2002. By 2004, “We, The World” organization extended the celebration to span 11 days, marking a journey from the fear of September 11 to the hope of September 21. Notable speakers who have been part of their events include Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Jane Goodall, Deepak Chopra, among others.

Values and Guiding Principles

Values and guiding principles of the organization include recognizing the interdependence between personal and global spheres, practicing nonviolence, understanding that healing the planet leads to individual healing, and integrating principles like idealism, compassion, and collaboration into daily life.

Rick Ulfik, the founder of “We, The World,” has been a prominent figure in media and has co-produced various TV series and events. His organization’s mission revolves around promoting global change and understanding the interdependence between individuals and the environment. Emphasizing a shift from “I” to “WE”, they aim to foster a culture where collective well-being is prioritized.

The events can be viewed live on Zoom and Facebook.

New York City Launches Nation’s Largest Curbside Composting Initiative in Queens

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NYC What To Compost decal
NYC What To Compost Decal.

Queens Leads NYC’s Revolutionary Composting Initiative

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Commissioner Jessica Tisch unveiled the nation’s most extensive curbside composting initiative. From October 3, every Queens resident will automatically receive weekly collection services for compostable materials like yard waste, food remnants, and soiled paper products. Queens, with 41% of the city’s street trees, becomes the first entire borough to enjoy this service.

Mayor Adams emphasized that this effort not only promotes cleaner streets but also battles climate change, establishing NYC as the U.S. leader in curbside composting. Deputy Mayor for Operations, Meera Joshi, mentioned this initiative’s alignment with the broader city cleanup, highlighting other steps like smart composting bins and a citywide containerization pilot.

DSNY Commissioner Tisch outlined the program’s design, focusing on its effectiveness, affordability, and inclusiveness. The system borrows from past successes and lessons, aiming to ease the process for New Yorkers while being environmentally friendly and pest-resistant.

DSNY’s innovative routing efficiencies allow servicing Queens, NYC’s largest borough, at unparalleled cost-efficiencies. Queens’ choice was strategic, given its diverse communities, housing types, and history of environmental neglect. The program covers all yard waste, food scraps, and soiled paper products, without any sign-ups. Residents will find collection schedules on DSNY’s website by mid-September.

Furthermore, to combat methane emissions from landfills, separating compostables is crucial. Approximately a third of NYC’s residential waste can be composted, benefiting both gardens and renewable energy production. The initiative also aims to reduce pests by using secure bins. Residents can order or label compost bins through the city’s online platform.

The service spans from October to December, halting during winter, and resuming in March 2023. History indicates yard waste as the major contributor during the initial phases. Additionally, the Adams administration is introducing 250 “smart” composting bins this fall, accessible via smartphones, after a successful 2021 pilot, targeting various boroughs with an emphasis on specific neighborhoods.