Climate rally in South County

Nice turn-out in SK to protest against Climate Change

From Fossil Free Rhode Island

Peace Dale RI-November 30, 2015- Over 100 people gathered yesterday at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of South County (UUCSC) in Peace Dale to send a message to world leaders meeting in Paris that they demand strong, concrete commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to avoid the worst impacts of global warming.

This was followed by a walk to Dale Carlia Corner where the marchers displayed signs and waved to passersby, many of whom honked in support.

The crowd was a mix of people of all ages; most were from South Kingstown, but some came from other parts of the state or were visiting relatives for Thanksgiving. Jean Fogelberg Bowen, a South Kingstown resident and a member of UUCSC, posted afterwards “Signs, young people, community and congregations come together today. Great event!”

Robert Malin of the UUCSC Green Task Force introduced the demands: we must stop burning fossil fuels as soon as possible, and the countries that have contributed the most to global warming must pay the most to finance the just transition to a renewable future.  He went on to state that the current problems of terrorism are inextricably linked to Climate Change. 

Malin noted that "this year at the 21st UN Conference of Parties summit in Paris (COP21) we are hopeful because the United States and China, two of the greatest CO2 emitters, have agreed to cut greenhouse gas emissions…however, voluntary targets of 40% reductions by 2050 fall far short of what is needed… if we are to keep global temperature rise below 2°C…These talks cannot fail.”

Jessica Ivon, a Freshman at South Kingstown High School and a participant in the SMILE (Science and Math Investigative Learning Experience) program at the University of Rhode Island (URI),  gave an impassioned plea.

“The impacts of global warming are becoming more visible every day… further inaction by global policy makers could result in run-away warming that will be beyond humanity’s ability to control".

These sentiments were echoed by Allegra Migliaccio, a Senior at Chariho High School and an active member of the UUCSC youth group, who added: ”What I strive for is a world of people who care enough to make a difference.  That's worth fighting for… So despite where we are, despite our struggles, thank you all for being here and for the hope you give me."

Then Jan Creamer, Fossil Free Rhode Island member, led everyone in a heartfelt rendition of We Shall Overcome with the words adjusted to address this particular civil rights struggle, environmental justice for all. 

On the march and at the rally at Dale Carlia Corner, people talked about their concerns from a variety of different perspectives: as scientists, people of faith, naturalists, educators, students and business people. 

Leita Lord, South Kingstown resident and activist with Fossil Free Rhode Island who just returned from studying in Australia, said: "it is so great to see the people in my hometown joining the people of the world to make a statement that we need to approach this with sanity and change the way we are doing things to address this planetary emergency."

As the crowd of people filled all four corners of the intersection of 108 and Tower Hill Road, residents honked their horns, waved and cheered. 

Yet amidst the optimism and exhilaration was the memory of the recent terror attacks in Paris, a somber reminder that climate change and the politics of oil are creating conditions-- such mass migration, conflict, and instability--that increase the threat of terrorism. 

Steve Dahl, active with SKNetZero, a group of South Kingstown residents working to accelerate the town’s transition away from fossil fuels, said about the need for urgent action: “We must not let the terrible attacks by ISIL in Paris distract us from the problem at hand. Our policies in the Middle East and global warming led to the rise of ISIL, and we can't let a racist response against these few extremists who do not represent Islam at all stop us from addressing this emergency, in fact it should serve as a wake-up call!"

The rally was concluded with a passionate speech by Alfred Bailey, who chairs the URI chapter of the Rhode Island Student Climate Coalition (RISCC).  Bailey noted that "the effects of climate change disproportionately impact the lower socio-economic classes who have contributed the least to the problem…” and then went on to “connect the dots”  noting that “the current refugee crisis and food shortages will become a common occurrence as climate change continues to disrupt populations.”

The event was sponsored by Fossil Free RI, RI IPL South County Action Team, and the Green Task Force of the UUCSC, in partnership with the Sisters of Mercy, RI Interfaith Power & Light, and AFSC-SENE.