The COVID-19 emergency has laid bare the deep inequality within our city and state, as vulnerable New Yorkers — those without healthcare, those living in neighborhoods with poor air quality, undocumented immigrants, service industry workers, housing insecure, and more — are being left behind by the current response from both the state and federal governments.
COVID-19 is shaping up to be a bellwether of how our government will respond to major disasters in the coming years, from mass economic upheaval to the surety of ever-more-deadly hurricanes and storms if the climate crisis continues unchecked. And while each crisis certainly impacts all of us, those who are already vulnerable will be hit hardest by consequential disasters like floods, extreme heat and, as we are currently seeing, infectious diseases.
The climate crisis and COVID-19 are inextricably connected. While we collectively demand that urgently needed aid be provided to communities, hospitals, and workers, we can and should continue to lay the groundwork for a Green New Deal at the city, state, and federal level. Coronavirus is not a reason to put climate activism on hold. If anything, this public health disaster is a warning that we must listen to scientists and demand transformational climate policy now, before the next global catastrophe hits. Just as it is imperative that we stay home to protect ourselves and our neighbors, it is imperative that we strike to demand a future.
That is why we’re proud to announce our digital action plans for Earth Week NYC.
Wednesday [Strike] – On Wednesday April 22nd, the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, thousands of New Yorkers in all five boroughs will jumpstart our week of collective action with a citywide digital strike! We will rally together in solidarity with the frontline communities hit hardest by both COVID-19 and the current political inertia surrounding the climate crisis. We will take to social media to disrupt business as usual, sharing powerful home-made signs, posters, and art demanding that our leaders support a Green New Deal, funding for frontline communities, and a just transition to 100% renewable energy.
Thursday [Divest] – Big banks, insurers, and asset managers are fueling the climate crisis by dumping trillions of dollars into fossil fuels and deforestation. It is time to say no more to this destruction! On Thursday April 23rd, the Earth Week NYC Coalition, alongside the national Stop the Money Pipeline Coalition, will be demanding that J.P. Morgan Chase and Blackrock, two of the biggest Wall Street financiers of climate destruction, divest from fossil fuels and deforestation. The action will feature, via a digital livestream, individuals who have been impacted or are directly vulnerable to the climate crisis. Each spokesperson will invite viewers to engage in an action they can take from home.
Friday [Vote] – As our final collective action, on Friday, April 24th we will be coming together to look ahead and highlight the role of informed and engaged citizens in fighting for a livable future. We will be holding digital teach-ins about the climate crisis at (remote) schools throughout the city, working with our partner Plus One Vote to support online voter registration, and leading a digital lobbying day (featuring one-click tools) to contact local representatives directly and hold them accountable to our climate justice demands.
f you’re able, please share these plans with your networks and invite them to sign up at earthweeknyc.com to join the fight.
