Written by: Chloe Yuqing Wang

On September 18th, 2023, about 75,000 people gathered on the streets of New York, demanding an end to fossil fuels. This day led to New York City Climate Week and the United Nations General Assembly from September 19th through the 22nd. The march commenced from 58th Street near Central Park and ended on 1st Avenue and 51st Street. The total march distance was 1.3 miles, passing through the busy streets of New York City, such as 5th Avenue and Columbus Circle. 

The march called on President Biden to act on climate change as he has the power and is in the position to change the course of human climate history. Specifically, the demands are 1. to stop federal approvals of fossil fuel projects; 2. to phase out drilling on public lands and waters; 3. to declare a climate emergency and promote projects that build climate resilience; 4. to ensure the transition to a green future is just with considerations that support workers’ and community rights, job security, and employment equity. The goal of this march is to exert pressure on President Biden to put climate as a priority within his legislative agenda. 

In alignment with the march’s overarching theme, thousands of artworks in various forms were displayed, with signs and banners emerging as the most direct and impactful means of conveying ideas, beliefs, and the voices of the impassioned demonstrators. At the same time, people dressed up as polar bears; a group had sea turtles and a giant whale made from plastic bottles.

The climate march allowed climate and environmental activists to showcase their artistic ability while voicing their frustration with the current neglect in domestic and international progress on combating climate change. The plethora of ideas and designs made the march a parade that ended as a block party with youth activists, artists, and speakers, and it was joined by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), who gave an inspirational and impassioned speech urging a faster transition from a fossil fuel-based economy. 

The climate march in New York City on Sunday was a powerful statement, a display of artistic prowess, and a call for immediate climate action that resonated with people worldwide as humanity grapples with the challenge of climate change. 

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