People's Climate March April 29 2017

Submitted by AlBrundage on Mon, 2017-05-01 23:25

Photo credit: Bill Finan

For the second time since Donald Trump became president, the people staged another march and rally to demand action on climate change. The event was organized by the People's Climate Coalition, who also sent two buses with 110 people to Washington DC for a national action. The event in Rochester was one of hundreds of local solidarity actions around the world.

The Trump administration is threatening to defund and dismantle the Environmental Protection Agency and has repealed many laws intended to protect the Earth through executive actions. Meanwhile the Rochester area is experiencing record rainfall that is causing some of the worst flooding of lake Ontario in almost 50 years. About 1000 people participated in the Rochester march which began on the steps of City Hall and ended with speakers and music at Washington Square Park.

Speakers included Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren who explained what the city is doing to combat climate change.

Professor Jim Haines of SUNY Brockport gave an informative presentation on exactly what scientific evidence links climate change to fossil fuel use. This presentation was so simplified even the president himself could understand it if he were to listen.

Community and religious leaders finished the event. Both Pope Francis and Senator Bernie Sanders have described climate threat as the greatest threat to humankind. Even the Pentagon, as explained by David Dornford recognizes the problem.