Categories: News

Largest Climate Rally in History: Can We Stop the Keystone XL Pipeline?

This weekend an estimated 40,000 people marched in Washington DC to support action for climate change. They gathered outside President Obama’s doorstep to urge immediate rejection of the Keystone XL Pipeline and energy extraction practices that threaten the environment.

The Keystone XL Pipeline project would pipe some of the planet’s dirtiest oil from Canada through America to be shipped overseas through the Gulf of Mexico. This tar sands oil proposal could be disastrous for our planet – producing tar sands crude that kicks out two or three times as much carbon pollution as producing conventional crude oil.

“For 25 years our government has basically ignored the climate crisis: now people in large numbers are finally demanding they get to work. We shouldn’t have to be here—science should have decided our course long ago. But it takes a movement to stand up to all that money,” said Bill McKibben 350.org founder, author of Eaarth, Middlebury College professor, and climate change champion.

The fact that this was indeed the largest climate rally in US history reflects the sense of urgency and fear Americans feel regarding the planet’s future. In fact, several journalists covering the rally noted that this seems to be an issue the “average American” is deeply concerned about. (It’s not just us fanatical environmentalists!)

“All I ever wanted was to see a movement of people to stop climate change and now I see it,”said  McKibben.

Will our voices be heard by Obama and legislators? In a nation where there are so many pressing issues –  climate change is one that should not be ignored  just because the consequences seem less immediate. At its core these things we want – clean water and clean energy seem so simplistic and accessible but the reality is they are being threatened – now.

Beth Funari

Beth is a Health and Wellness expert who believes sustainability goes hand-in-hand with self care. She’s the girl whipping up kombucha cocktails at parties, and extolling the benefits of canning vegetables to anyone who will listen.

Recent Posts

Safe Streets, Refinery Leaks & Soaring Eagles

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Safer streets coming to Pine and Spruce. Philadelphia…

14 hours ago

Eco-Explainer: What is Environmental Justice?

You've seen environmental justice come under fire. But what does the term mean? Here are…

1 day ago

Rally Against Rate Hikes, Free ‘How City Council Works’ Training, Native Plants Guide & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: 25 Philly-Area Solar for Schools grants awarded. Lawmakers…

1 week ago

How to match your dollars with your values: Invest in less plastic, not fossil fuels.

Green Century has helped investors and businesses support the planet, not polluters, for over 30…

1 week ago

Can a greener Philly reduce crime?

In a bid to improve public safety, quality of life initiatives are bringing brighter lights…

1 week ago

Ride of Silence, Brownfields Cleanup, Solar in Schools, & More

Catch up on this week's sustainability news: New public orchard and gateway garden at Penn…

2 weeks ago