Note: Though we support this action for climate justice at the United Nations on Dec. 10, we disagree with the author that the China-US deal is significant (click here for more) and we recognize that the US has played a strong role in preventing effective action at the UN climate talks (click here for more). MF
NEW YORK — Public pressure for meaningful action on climate change did not end on Sept. 21 when the People’s Climate March funneled more than 400,000 voices into the streets of Manhattan.
On Dec. 10, 350NYC, an affiliate of 350.org, is holding a rally near the United Nations to focus attention on climate negotiations in Peru. This International Human Rights Day demonstration, titled “Climate Justice is a Human Right,” will include speakers from Oxfam, Global Kids, the Rainforest Foundation, and an 11-year-old expected to break his vow of silence. In addition to the speakers, various art performances are planned from 4 to 6 p.m.
One speaker will be Kevin Murungi, director of human rights and foreign policy programs at Global Kids, an organization that brings youth development and global education to schools in New York City and Washington, D.C.
“At the core is leadership development. These are young people now, who will be the decision makers not too far from now,” Murungi said. “When they are in the halls of power, they will hopefully make good decisions.”
Itzcuauhtli Roske-Martinez, of Colorado, could be one such leader. Roske-Martinez, who has garnered international attention after he promised in late October to remain silent until world leaders take action on climate change, is expected to attend the event with his brother, Xiuhtezcatl.
Event organizers point to food shortages, extreme weather conditions, and the subsequent displacement of people from their homes as human rights tragedies that have resulted from the burning of fossil fuels for energy and profit. The negotiations over the next two weeks in Lima, Peru should produce a draft document, which would be signed by world leaders next December in Paris.
Last month, the United States and China announced plans to curtail emissions in the coming decades. The U.S. will cut its emissions up to 28 percent by 2025, while China will decrease its emissions by or before 2030 and generate 20 percent of its energy needs from renewable sources like wind and solar.
Observers blamed China’s lack of meaningful commitments during previous climate summits for discouraging developing nations from cutting harmful emissions. Pres. Obama’s lead climate negotiator, Todd Stern, told The New York Times: “Our sense is that this will resonate in the broader climate community, give momentum to the negotiations and spur countries to comes forward with their own targets. The two historic antagonists, the biggest players, announcing they’ll work together.”
This event is open to the public. Meet at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, E. 47th Street, between 1st and 2nd avenues.
This rally is co-sponsored by the following organizations: American Ethical Union; Authors for Causes; Bronx Climate Justice North; the Campaign for Peace and Democracy; Earth Guardians; Fossil Free & Green NY; Global Kids; Green Faith; Green Party of NYS; Left Labor Project; Lynn’s Kids Inc; the Mothers Project; Responsible Endowments Coalition; Sane Energy Project; Saving Souls Corporation; Show Up America; Sierra Club NYC Group; Social Action Committee of Park Slope UMC; United Confederation of Taino People; WESPAC Foundation; and Widening Circles NY.
Mike D. Hays, the author of this post, is a freelance journalist in Brooklyn, N.Y. and a volunteer for 350.org.