The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) was held from September 18-26 with pressure on our global leaders higher than ever as war wages, poverty rates climb and the world is enduring a year of some of the most extreme temperatures. “Climate Week NYC” and the UNGA overlapped during September, both sparking conversations about the climate crisis for the general public and diplomatic leaders.
THE MARCH AGAINST FOSSIL FUELS
On Sunday, September 17, the streets of Manhattan overflowed with protestors rallying for the end of fossil fuel emissions in an effort to curb climate change. In an article from The Guardian, organizers estimated that between 50,000 and 75,000 citizens conquered the streets of New York City under the beating sun, marching as a call for action and to demonstrate the level of crisis we’re facing. This march fell along the same timeline as the 78th UNGA, which was held from September 18-26. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), informally known as A.O.C., was in attendance as well. A.O.C. addressed the participants of the march, demanding the end of fossil fuel emissions. She described the issue of fossil fuel emissions as one of the biggest problems we’re facing and told the rally that as climate activists, the movement must become “too big and too radical to ignore,” according to live footage from the rally from The Washington Post. A.O.C.’s call to action aimed to create urgency, to send a message by being present in the street, especially during an intense week for the UNGA. The New York Times reports that while many of “the protesters suggested their support for Mr. Biden in 2024 would depend on more aggressive climate action, none of the Republican candidates running to replace him plan to cut the country’s emissions and several want to encourage more drilling.” Essentially, the call to action is to hold President Biden accountable in order to move forward on the climate change agenda and make the immediate need of the emergency known to our leaders and decision-makers.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR GEN Z?
The climate crisis will soon fall completely under our responsibility as a generation. It’s critical now to work against factors including fossil fuel emissions, deforestation and pollution. While it may seem that there isn’t much we can do from where we are, that is not the case. However, instead of the typical suggestions of conserving energy or buying reusable water bottles (which is still important), the key is to vote. Our leaders and politicians are creating and moving forward with policies, and it’s up to us to use our voices and vote for leaders who will move forward with green policies, and make ourselves heard by protesting and marching for the ideals we believe in.