An alliance of hundreds of environmental and social justice activists marched from Founders Plaza in Hartford to the State Capitol Friday, demanding both legislative and corporate state leaders take the necessary actions needed to meet our pollution reduction goals and grow a green economy.
In addition to speakers at each stop, the march featured numerous grassroots-made signs, costumes, and creative chants.
While the climate crisis rapidly unfolds, Connecticut-based corporations and our state government have failed to keep their climate commitments. March organizers outlined action steps necessary in this letter to the Connecticut General Assembly.
“Connecticut desperately needs meaningful climate action that reduces harmful emissions, rapidly ramps up renewables, and accomplishes both equitably,” said Ann Gadwah, Advocacy and Outreach Organizer, Sierra Club Connecticut. “Our state is lagging behind our New England and other Northeast neighbors who have already taken and implemented bold action, with positive results for local families and residents. In 2024, legislators need to put the public interest in a healthy, livable world before the profits of fossil fuel interests.”
“The Climate Justice March is a call from residents for Connecticut to honor its climate promise. It represents a collective demand for bold legislative action to fight climate change in the 2024 legislative session. We advocate for sustainable transportation solutions, clean energy, and environmental justice, reaffirming our commitment to a healthy and equitable future. In the fight against climate change, we must stand as advocates for both our planet and environmental justice. It is our duty to hold corporations and government officials accountable for the unequal burdens of environmental degradation on marginalized communities across our state.” said Julianna Larue, Climate Policy and Outreach Coordinator, Connecticut League of Conservation Voters.
“How can Connecticut keep its climate promise? Our state leaders should update the Global Warming Solutions Act by enacting a 2050 target for net-zero emissions and requiring state agencies to evaluate and address greenhouse gas impacts for their projects,” said Alex Rodriguez, Environmental Justice Specialist, Save the Sound. “Our corporate leaders aren’t off the hook, either. To reach a safe and healthy climate, the private sector must divest from fossil fuels and commit every resource possible to help Connecticut decarbonize its homes, offices, and industries.”
“We can combat the climate crisis by adopting climate-resilient building codes, retrofitting infrastructure, and reducing emissions – which ultimately means drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels. The insurance industry must do its part by agreeing not to insure and finance new fossil fuel projects,” said Sharon Lewis, Executive Director, Connecticut Coalition for Environmental and Economic Justice.
“Third Act Connecticut is composed of 700 elders across the state committed to substantive strategies to avert the climate catastrophe currently in full development. We believe strongly in rapid and full termination of reliance on fossil fuels, and the robust engagement of true democracy. After all, there are no oligarchs or autocrats who care at all about the rest of us, never mind the planet”, said the Rev. Dr. Davida Foy Crabtree, Third Act. “We are focused on banks and insurance companies because that is where the leverage is.”
“Climate change is important yet very scary at the same time.” said Quanishe Flippen, Community Organizer with Connecticut Citizen Action Group. “The industries fueling the climate crisis—coal, oil, and gas—can’t operate without insurance. But the U.S. insurance industry continues to provide a lifeline to the coal, oil, and gas industries driving climate change. By CT being the insurance capital of the world we hold the power for so much influence. We need Travelers and companies like them to stop investing in fossil fuels in order to save the earth. Travelers has over 4 billion dollars invested in fossil fuel industries. Our world is running on fossil fuels and we need to transition to renewable energy. Fossil fuels cause climate change, which causes extreme destructive weather. Our earth is warming faster than ever before. Flooding, heat waves, desert, and famine are all real possibilities worldwide if we don’t make a change.
Sponsoring Organizations:
350CT
Black Lives Matter 860
Clean Water Action Connecticut
Connecticut Citizen Action Group
Connecticut Climate Crisis Mobilization
Connecticut Coalition for Economic and Environmental Justice
Connecticut Interfaith Power & Light
Connecticut League of Conservation Voters
Connecticut Roundtable for Climate and Jobs
Conservation Law Foundation
CT NOFA: The Northeast Organic Farming Association of CT
Dayenu Circle of Temple Bnai Israel Willimantic
Interreligious Eco-Justice Network
Good Trouble Advocacy
Living Wisely and Well on Planet Earth
The Nature Conservancy in Connecticut
New London Maritime Society
Nonprofit Accountability Group
Save the Sound
Sierra Club Connecticut
Sunrise Movement Connecticut
Sunrise Wesleyan
Third Act Connecticut
United Universalist Society East Sustainable Living Committee
Windham-Willimantic NAACP Environmental Justice Committee
Zero Hour