More than 400,000 people took to the streets to have their voices heard at the People’s Climate March yesterday in New York City. The record-breaking crowd took up 27 blocks in total, from West 86th street to Columbus Circle.
Photographer Zach Roberts was there to document the biggest climate change march in history for DeSmogBlog. Here are some of his best shots.
The marchers ranged in color, age and cause — from the indigenous fighting against Canada’s tar sands to Long Islanders affected by Hurricane Sandy to people from Pennsylvania and New York working to protect their communities from fracking. The route took them by tourist meccas like Central Park, Times Square and Radio City Music Hall.
This was a family friendly protest and children were out in force — having a ball, dressing up, dancing and carrying some amazing signs.
The indigenous and native contingent of the protest was well represented. Their dances and choreography — all the while marching — were incredible.
Many politicians were marching and showing solidarity, such as Senator Chuck Schumer from New York.
Reverend Yearwood of the Hip Hop Caucus, below, is speaking out on the TransCanada Keystone XL pipeline.
While I wasn’t able to find Leonardo Dicaprio and Ed Norton who were in the crowd, I did find actor Paul Bettany, the voice of Iron Man’s computer, Jarvis.
The march was highly coordinated with the New York Police Department to avoid any clashes and went off without a hitch. Most people were just trying to have fun and send a message through their art, their signs or — like in this photo — face paint.
The final photo I took at the march pretty much sums up the whole day up — one man, one sign, with several hundred thousand people behind him.
All photos by Zach Roberts.
