Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in downtown Manhattan in New York City, demanding an urgent transition away from fossil fuels to combat climate change, and the demonstrators, belonging to different age groups, called on world leaders, especially US President Joe Biden, to take bold action against the use of fossil fuels, and their gathering coincided with President Biden’s visit to New York to collect funds, attending and the session of the United Nations General Assembly, but they were frustrated by President Biden’s positions, according to the New York Times.
Part of the demonstrations in Manhattan, New York over fossil fuels - Source: CNN
Frustration with the Biden administration
Protesters expressed frustration that the Biden administration approved new permits for oil and gas exploration despite the passage of ambitious climate legislation, and called for declaring a climate emergency and ending new fossil fuel production in line with the demands of left-wing Democratic politicians.
Peter Kalmus: I am a scientist. The scientists of the world has spoken. We have to stop expanding fossil fuels a ramp down fossil fuels as quickly as we can. It could not be more clear. #ClimateAction #ClimateEmergency #EndFossilFuels pic.twitter.com/HE4U3v9b55
— People vs. Fossil Fuels (@FightFossils) September 17, 2023
Biden’s Electoral Support and Climate Action
Protesters pointed out that their support for President Biden in 2024 depends on more intense climate measures, none of the Republican candidates running for president had plans to cut emissions, with some calling for more drilling, and the frontrunner, former President Donald Trump, rejects concerns about climate change.
AOC gets it: It's gonna take a massive international people-powered movement to demand we transition off fossil fuels. #EndFossilFuels #ClimateEmergency pic.twitter.com/pxNqZWIWVh
— People vs. Fossil Fuels (@FightFossils) September 17, 2023
Moratorium on fossil fuel projects
The protest called for a halt to new fossil fuel projects in line with scientific models and IEA forecasts to effectively curb atmospheric warming, and activists also expressed concerns about continued expansion in drilling and mining and rejected industry claims that carbon capture technology could mitigate emissions.
The largest climate protests since Corona
The turnout surprised organizers and followed similar demonstrations around the world, the largest climate protests since before the pandemic, and coincided with a record hot summer and increased profits for oil and gas companies.
The protest was a clear message to President Biden as he enters his re-election campaign, and that more ambitious climate action is needed to secure their votes, and while some gentle criticism was leveled at Biden for not declaring a climate emergency, the demonstration was marked by a festive atmosphere among some participants, and fostered joy and communication as tools to end dependence on fossil fuels.
