The People’s Climate March draws tens of thousands in New York and worldwide

In New York City, and around the world, people from all walks of life participated in the People's Climate March on Sunday.

Carrying drums, tubas, and banners, tens of thousands of people participated in the People’s Climate March in New York City on Sunday, reports the New York Times.

Marchers said the time is right for their populist message supporting limits on carbon emissions.

The march was one of many held around the world, from Paris to Papua, New Guinea. The international events were intended as smaller demonstrations in solidarity with New York, but some were drawing tens of thousands of people.

World leaders will hold a climate summit meeting at the United Nations on Tuesday. They are expected to create a framework for a potential global agreement on carbon emissions late in 2015 in Paris.

Last week, meteorologists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that the months of June, July and August 2024 were the hottest on record for the globe, and 2014 is on track to break the 2010 record for the hottest year.

“We hope the heart and mind of the people will be awakened,” said Ahni Rocheleau of Santa Fe, N.M., a member of the Great March for Climate Action, a cross-country walk to raise awareness for alternative and sustainable energy practices. “Coal is not the way to go.”

Union members, religious leaders, scientists, politicians and students joined the march.

“I’m here because I really feel that every major social movement in this country has come when people get together,” said Carol Sutton of Norwalk, Conn., president of a teachers’ union. “It begins in the streets.”

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, whose administration announced a sweeping plan this weekend to overhaul energy efficiency standards in all city-owned buildings, was among the high-profile participants expected to join the march.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, former Vice President Al Gore, actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo, two United States senators, and one-third of the New York City Council were also expected to participate.

March participants held signs as varied as the movement: “There is No Planet B,” “Forests Not for Sale” and “Jobs, Justice, Clean Energy.”