By Oliver Milman
Tens of thousands of people (click here) took part in marches and other events across the US on Saturday, calling for a swift transition to renewable energy in order to stave off the various perils of climate change.
The Rise for Climate protests was spearheaded by what organizers called the largest ever climate march on the US west coast. The march, which snaked through the heart of San Francisco, came ahead of a climate change summit in the city next week that will gather mayors and business leaders from around the world.
The San Francisco march, which called for California governor Jerry Brown to end fossil fuel extraction in the state, attracted around 30,000 people, organizers said.
An array of activities, including rallies, voter registration drives and vigils, were scheduled to take place across the US, in cities such as Boston, Miami and Portland, Oregon. Events were also planned in Puerto Rico. In New Orleans, protesters planned to agitate for the halt of the Bayou Bridge pipeline, an extension of the controversial Dakota Access project that last year spurred a lengthy standoff at the Standing Rock reservation....
By Paschal Sheehy
Around 200 people (click here) marched through Cork city centre this afternoon to call on the Government to implement the climate recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly.
The march was one of more than 800 events taking place around the world to support a climate summit in San Francisco.
The march was organised by Cork Climate Action, a coalition of NGOs and individuals concerned about the threat to the world.
The NGOs involved include Trócaire, Cork Environmental Forum, UCC Green Campus, and SHEP (the Social and Health Education Project).
Earlier this year, the report and recommendations of the Citizens' Assembly on how the State can make Ireland a leader in tackling climate change was sent to the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Mick Finn, said there was still a lot to do in relation to climate change and there was some disagreement over how we should act to mitigate the worst effects. However, he said he was delighted at the turnout and wished the march success....
