Greens Demand Action at Extinction Rebellion, New York City
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Greens Demand Action at Extinction Rebellion,
New York City
Contacts: Diane Moxley dianermoxley@gmail.com 908-821-7057
New Jersey Greens were out in support of Extinction Rebellion NYC’s first day of action on Saturday, January 26, 2019, also known as The Rebellion: Day One. This was a day of protest that consisted of multiple non-violent direct actions, colorful theatrics, and bold banners with powerful messaging. The goal was to raise awareness about the dire state of our planet and the immediate need to address climate change.
Extinction Rebellion was formed in the wake of the release of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report in October of 2018, which warned that urgent and immediate changes were needed to prevent increases in global warming that could lead to extreme heat, drought, and floods, resulting in global famine, societal disruption, and extreme poverty. This report was a major influence in the rise of this movement.
Extinction Rebellion is a global movement that is mobilizing people to act against the impending consequences of climate change and to force their governments to adopt appropriate policies. The group utilizes non-violent direct action to spread the message about the reality of climate change and highlight that it is imperative for us to act now. Their explicit demands include that governments must tell the truth about the climate and impending ecological emergency, as well as institute policies that reduce carbon emissions and support alternative energy sources. Extinction Rebellion emphasizes the importance of international cooperation.
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Diane Moxley, a long time Green and activist out of Garwood, NJ participated in the day’s actions and was part of a direct action team that unfurled two large banners across 5th Avenue, causing some traffic delays. Moxley explained, “I participated in this day of action because the news about the effects of climate change keeps getting more and more grim every day and the serious concern that we are reaching the point of no return as climate chaos spirals out of control.”
Ruben Mendez, a Green and activist who resides in Perth Amboy, NJ, was also involved with the 5th Avenue action, which shut down the avenue for almost 20 minutes. Mendez was motivated to join the international movement based on its clear demands: “We need real concrete solutions to stop and reverse climate chaos and we will not cease until a plan is enacted.”
Tom Violett, a Green out of Farmingdale, NJ, spent the day livestreaming the actions that began with a rally at the southeast corner of Central Park, followed by a march down 5th Avenue, and concluded with a series of non-violent direct actions at Rockefeller Center. “I was really impressed by the amazing visuals and sounds, a brass band, drums, chanting and songs. The energy was incredible. As we walked, the marchers interacted with people on the street, handed out literature, and had brief interactions. The crowd was very receptive. This was definitely a positive experience,” said Violett.
Mr. Mendez and Ms. Moxley were arrested along with six others at the 5th Avenue action. One activist was able to climb and drape a banner across the Prometheus statue in Rockefeller Center that read: “Climate Change = Mass Murder- Rebel for Life” and was subsequently arrested.
“The UN report is our last warning; there is no time for delay,” said Moxley, who added, “Our politicians haven’t been taking climate change seriously for years now. This new report makes it clear that we must act now. Grassroots activism is our only hope. We will have to take dramatic measures to get our message heard because there is absolutely no time to waste.”
Please follow Extinction Rebellion NYC at xrebellion.org/nyc for upcoming actions. This is just the beginning.
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