In September, FES was at New York Climate Week. The first of three blog posts sharing Kat’s (Executive Director) and Jess’ (Program Director) experience and reflections at the People’s March, and what it was like being with over 75,000 people on the ground, advocating for climate action.
Description: Kat, Executive Director, at the New York Climate Week march to end fossil fuels holding up a Climate Justice sign.
On September 15, our Program Director and I, touched down in New York for Climate Week. Our journey was fueled by a recent staff gathering in Vancouver, where we envisioned FES’ path to 2030 and had a strategy going into New York to amplify, learn, and fundraise.
Back at home, across Canada, a wave of people-powered coalitions emerged, rallying for a just transition away from fossil fuels. Earlier that summer, we had initiated Assembly Grants, bolstering grassroots events and community groups to participate in these rallies.
Description: Youth Harbour’s logo on a poster by Fridays for Future – St. John’s, featured on Tim Baker’s Instagram
While the heart of the action pulsed in Canada, we felt a compelling duty to join the strikes in New York. These weren’t just protests; they were synchronized with global events like the UN General Assembly and the UN SDGs Summit, all leading to the monumental UN Secretary-General’s Climate Ambition Summit.
Emerging from the NY Subway, the scene was electrifying. Over 75,000 souls, unified by a shared vision for our planet, marched as one. The streets resonated with the spirit of solidarity: children in safe zones, volunteers sharing resources, and a chorus of voices rising in unison. Each step was a testament to the power of collective action.
Description: Demonstrations of people on the street in New York for Global Climate Strike.
On the eve of the march, I was drawn to “Here Lies Love” on Broadway, a narrative of the Philippines’ Marcos era. Beyond its controversy, it spotlighted the People Power Movement, where citizens peacefully toppled an oppressive regime. A poignant line lingered: “God draws straight with crooked lines.” Marching through New York, the play’s message intertwined with our mission. We marched for the vulnerable, for future generations, and in the footsteps of ancestors who believed in the might of the masses.
As our movement swells, we must ask: When will those ensconced in their ivory towers truly hear the roar of the people?
This was how we started our week, energized and ready to stir the pot.