NYC: Rebellion Day One – #ClimateShutdown to Shake New York
In response to a nonexistent threat, President Trump in December initiated the longest government shutdown in the nation’s history. For the greatest actual existential threat humanity has ever faced – worldwide climate chaos – XR-NYC, on behalf of the people of New York City and the world, will engage this Saturday in NYC: Rebellion Day One, a symbolic, temporary shutdown of a significant local institution. In this way, XR-NYC intends to send a message to politicians on all levels: business as usual on the environment will not be tolerated.
Founded in the UK in late 2018, XR is an international movement that carries out nonviolent direct action (NVDA) and civil disobedience campaigns with a worldwide impact. In November, XR in London occupied the five main bridges over the River Thames for six hours, described as “one of the biggest acts of peaceful civil disobedience in the UK in decades.” Shortly afterward, Mayor Sadiq Kahn declared a climate emergency.
“Climate change is the biggest issue my generation will face, and actually we are already dealing with the effects of climate change right now!" said 13-year-old climate activist, Alexandria Villasenor. “I’ve been on school strike at the United Nations every Friday, because our world leaders aren’t doing enough to reduce fossil fuel emissions. Those leaders who deny climate change is real do so because they want to keep making a profit from fossil fuels! All over the world, youth climate strikes are growing and my generation will lead the revolution against greed and emissions. As Greta Thunberg says ‘Change is coming, whether you like it or not.’”
Media Advisory For Immediate Release
Who: Extinction Rebellion New York City (XR-NYC), a member organization of Extinction Rebellion (XR), an international environmental movement that has achieved extensive media coverage, particularly in the U.K.
What: A secret, nonviolent action to temporarily shut down a prominent New York City landmark to create awareness of the extreme peril of the climate change emergency
When: Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 1:00 PM, as part of US Rebellion Day 1
Where: Meeting place for action: southeast corner of Central Park, 59th Street and 5th Avenue, Manhattan, New York City.
Summary: In response to a nonexistent threat, President Trump in December initiated the longest government shutdown in the nation’s history. For the greatest actual existential threat humanity has ever faced – worldwide climate chaos – XR-NYC, on behalf of the people of New York City and the world, will engage this Saturday in NYC: Rebellion Day One, a symbolic, temporary shutdown of a significant local institution. In this way, XR-NYC intends to send a message to politicians on all levels: business as usual on the environment will not be tolerated.
Founded in the UK in late 2018, XR is an international movement that carries out nonviolent direct action (NVDA) and civil disobedience campaigns with a worldwide impact. In November, XR in London occupied the five main bridges over the River Thames for six hours, described as “one of the biggest acts of peaceful civil disobedience in the UK in decades.” Shortly afterward, Mayor Sadiq Kahn declared a climate emergency.
“Climate change is the biggest issue my generation will face, and actually we are already dealing with the effects of climate change right now!" said 13-year-old climate activist, Alexandria Villasenor. “I’ve been on school strike at the United Nations every Friday, because our world leaders aren’t doing enough to reduce fossil fuel emissions. Those leaders who deny climate change is real do so because they want to keep making a profit from fossil fuels! All over the world, youth climate strikes are growing and my generation will lead the revolution against greed and emissions. As Greta Thunberg says ‘Change is coming, whether you like it or not.’”
The demands of XR-NYC are as follows:
The Government must tell the truth about the climate and wider ecological emergency, reverse inconsistent policies and work alongside the media to communicate with citizens.
The Government must enact legally binding policy measures to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2025 and to reduce consumption levels.
A national Citizen’s Assembly to oversee the changes, as part of creating a democracy fit for purpose.
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