NextGen Climate: Marching Towards a Better Future
Dec 31,2015
Thousands of people flooded the streets of Boston on December 12, 2015 in support of jobs, justice, climate. Among the 104 organizations that advocated for a brighter future was NextGen Climate waving their orange signs in the air chanting: "Fossil fuels are really dirty. What do we want? 50 by 30!" NextGen Climate is among many environmental advocacy groups whose unique goal is to lobby politician into reducing the effects of climate change. This includes the reduction of fossil fuel emissions, fracking, and pipeline installation as well as the implementation of solar and wind energy.
In Boston, I had the opportunity to march with NextGen Climate fellows in support for reducing fossil fuels by 50% by 2030 (Hence the 50 by 30 slogan). Some of the fellows and interns among the group I marched with explained that it has invigorated them to do something that makes a difference and be a part of something so much greater than themselves.
At the same time we conversed with each other our resentment over the decisions made at the COP 21 rally in Paris, France. It was our hope that the countries who attended would agree not exceed 2 degrees Celsius in global temperatures however, the decision was compromised resulting in a 3.5 degree maximum. As fellows pointed out 3.5 degrees was unacceptable and that if people do not take matters into their own hands then their will not be a world left to save.
NextGen Climate is one of those organizations who lives to fight for a better future not just for us but so our children, grand children and so on will be able to breath clean air on sunshiny days without contracting airborne diseases incurred by hazardous energy practices. It works to secure the future for human societies everywhere through its mission to reduce global warming. As the march in Boston came to an end I felt like the accumulation of all our voices accomplished something. When we stand united change is possible.
Sources:
Interview: Allyson Samuel (12/12/15)
Interview: Brian Rogers (12/6/15)
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