It was an honor and a privilege to join 400,000 concerned citizens of the world at the People’s Climate March in New York City this afternoon. If the fossil fuel industry is an immovable object of avarice, this march represents an irresistible force of justice.
It was an honor especially to shake the hands of climate activist Tim DeChristopher and Sierra Club head Michael Brune, two men who have demonstrated uncommon valor in the fight for a livable planet. I will never forget the broad diversity of this movement for change: grandparents and grandchildren, gay and straight couples, every race and ethnicity, all representing one united force demanding that the United States and other powerful, prosperous nations finally hold the fossil fuel industry accountable for its actions, and put this planet on the path to sustainability.
Did our voices penetrate the consciences of those who benefit from the energy status quo, assuming of course that some of those folks actually have consciences? We’ll know soon enough. The (clean) energy generated by this march will be reflected at the ballot box–and, hopefully, on our television screens. Momentum this strong simply cannot be stopped. No billionaire can buy this power.
At one point, fellow marchers chanted, “The People, United, Can Never Be Defeated!” I used to think that slogan was just idealistic, corny BS. Now, I know that slogan is a truth beyond dispute–just like climate change itself.
UPDATE: More from Brad Johnson.
