People’s Climate March Sunday – Philly Unites & How to Join ’em

Are you ready for that sound? History is being made this weekend.

The People’s Climate March is pegged to be the biggest in history on Sunday, 9/21 in this smack middle of Manhattan. With over 1000 groups coordinating the march, citizens are proving a point to our global leaders that our pathetic inaction on climate change ain’t cutting it. They’re expecting 100,000 people.

Let’s back up.

Why are people marching?

World leaders are all heading to New York City for a UN summit on the climate crisis. UN Secretary­ General Ban Ki-­moon is urging governments from around the world that we really, really need an ambitious global agreement to drastically cut CO2 pollution and curb climate change. Plus, recent leaked reports about climate change are plain terrifying, staying our previous efforts are “grossly inadequate”.

So thousands of people are taking a stand to demand to the world that we can change things keeping in mind what we all care about: an economy, safe from climate change, jobs, clean air and water and healthy people. What more could we really ask for?

Grist rounded up a few good reasons people are marching, including polar bears, Hurricane Sandy, climate change effects everyone but isn’t distributed equally, future generations, hope, frustration, and for the future.

Where are they going?

The march route goes from Central Park West, east on 59th street, down 6th ave to 42nd, west to 11th ave, down 34th and ends on 11th Ave btwn 34th & 38th Streets.

When?

The march kicks off at 11:30 AM in Central Park West, between 65th & 86th Streets. Here’s the full schedule of events, from a multi-faith prayer service to the conclusion at 5:30 PM.

Sounds cool. Can I still get on the bandwagon from Philly?

New York is expecting over 496 buses from as far as Minnesota and Kansas on Sunday.

Buses are organized locally and are mostly sold out. (Last numbers I heard that were 50+ from the region are filled.) However, Bolt Bus, NJ transit and Amtrak still have plenty of room.

Readers, are you going? Tell us in the comments!