Politics & Government

SEE IT: Tens Of Thousands March For Climate Through Midtown

Ahead of the U.N. General Assembly this week, protesters filled the streets demanding an end to fossil fuel use.

Many different groups came together to bring attention to what they say is a worsening climate crisis.
Many different groups came together to bring attention to what they say is a worsening climate crisis. (Peter Senzamici/Patch)

MIDTOWN, NY — The streets of Midtown were thrown into chaos on Sunday as tens of thousands of protesters marched to bring attention to climate change ahead of the U.N. General Assembly.

"Oil's got to go!" protesters shouted as they turned a corner on to First Avenue in Sutton Place before being greeted with a giant stage equipped with screens and speakers to showcase performers and speakers.

Protesters gathered on First Avenue after marching from Columbus Circle. (Peter Senzamici/Patch)

Officially called "The March To End Fossil Fuels," it's likely the largest protest march the city has seen since 2020.

Find out what's happening in Midtown-Hell's Kitchenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The march began in Columbus Circle and snaked through Midtown before ending at around East 50th Street and First Avenue.

Many protesters carried creative floats through the march. (Peter Senzamici/Patch)

One goal of the march is to call on President Biden to end fossil fuel and oil pipeline projects. Many signs singled out the Willow oil pipeline in Alaska as a project they urge Biden to end.

Find out what's happening in Midtown-Hell's Kitchenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Local groups, like New York Communities for Change, marched along climate protestors. (Peter Senzamici/Patch)

“Biden, you should be scared of us,” said Emma Buretta, 17, at a rally before the march, according to the New York Times.

She's a Brooklyn high school student and a longtime organizer with Fridays for Future, a climate group inspired by Greta Thunberg.

Protester donned masks and gasmasks, highlighting dire signs for air quality in the future. (Peter Senzamici/Patch)

In 2019, about 250,000 people flooded the streets in the Global Youth Climate Strike, just months before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sunday's march was the first big climate mobilization since then.

It was a multi-generational affair. (Peter Senzamici/Patch)

“If you want our vote, if you don’t want the blood of our generations to be on your hands, end fossil fuels," she said, according to the New York Times.

Protesters came from all over to highlight climate issues before the U.N. General Assembly this week in Midtown. (Peter Senzamici/Patch)

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