By Denika Tamayo, Action & Equity Coordinator
On Saturday, January 21st, SanDiego350 and hundreds of San Diego climate advocates marched around the Federal Building calling on President Biden to declare a climate emergency and end fossil fuel extraction alongside dozens of events held around the nation.
San Diego 350 and nationwide environmental justice, frontline and Indigenous organizations in collaboration with the People vs. Fossil Fuels coalition partnered in one of dozens of nationally coordinated demonstrations across the country calling on the President to act boldly and ensure the nation continues to advance climate justice solutions despite a divided Congress.
Protestors carried huge, colorful climate puppets and vibrant banners chanted and listened to compelling speakers from various climate advocacy organizations, demanding that Biden use his executive powers, Demand a Climate Emergency and stop approving fossil fuel projects. By declaring a national emergency, the President will be able to stop approval of new fossil fuel leases, reinstate a ban on crude oil and gas exports, and stop foreign fossil fuel investment — instead investing in environmental justice communities to build out renewable energy and transit infrastructure, reduce carbon pollution, and reverse adverse health impacts.
This was an impactful day of action with powerful speakers including San Diego Council President Sean Elo-Rivera, Councilmember Joe LaCava, Priscilla Ortiz-LaChappa (Miss Kumeyaay 2022-23), and Yusef Miller (Interfaith Coalition for Earth Justice).
Yusef Miller from the Interfaith Coalition for Earth Justice (ICEJ) said “Mr. President, Declaring a Climate Emergency is not simply a statement of solidarity with a movement, but rather it’s a pledge to humanity.”
As the climate clock ticks and climate disasters accelerate around the world, we need Biden to use his executive power to take bold climate action. In fact, by declaring a national climate emergency, Biden will be able to invest in environmental justice communities to build out renewable energy and transit infrastructure, reduce carbon pollution, and reverse adverse health impacts.
Key Accomplishments:
- This was one of dozens of nationally coordinated demonstrations across the country calling on the President to act boldly and ensure the nation continues to advance climate justice solutions despite a divided Congress.
- Shared Joy Braun’s story and legacy globally and across Turtle Island!
- Largest People Vs. Fossil Fuels distributed action to date. We were part of 27 registered actions in over 15 states across the country and globally (including Germany!)
- Created national awareness and engagement among new and already involved activists into this climate movement and our demands on President Biden.
- Collected over 200 signatures on a petition demanding President Biden Declare a Climate Emergency!
- Check out the pictures from the rally here.
- We are in the news! CBS-8 News Article // CBS-8 & ABC-10 News Coverage (video)
We won’t back down until President Biden fulfills his campaign promises to advance climate action and environmental justice, and halt fossil fuel extraction on public lands and waters.You can still take action by signing the petition HERE to tell President Joe Biden to declare a climate emergency!