On April 29, over tens of thousands of people are expected to march on the Capitol Mall in Washington, DC as part of the People’s Climate March. Their stated goal is to “move whoever is our president to be big and bold on climate.” the last Climate March, in 2014, had over 300,000 attendees, and organizers are hopeful this event will be every bit as big. Though the main event will take place in Washington, similar marches will take place in sister cities across the United States.
The motto of the march is “to change everything, we need everyone.” The participants of the march hope to push toward a future that inspires people to find solutions to Earth’s environmental problems and secure a brighter future for future generations.
The Climate March and Earth Week
The People’s Climate March coincides with Earth Week, a worldwide event in support of environmental protection. The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970, at over two thousand colleges and universities across the country. Today, it’s observed in 192 countries and a billion people worldwide, making it the largest secular holiday in the world.
The People’s Climate March promises to be a landmark event for Earth Week 2017. Another Earth Week event for this year is the March for Science, a non-partisan rally to celebrate the role of science in American life. The March for Science takes place on April 22 in Washington DC, with over 500 “satellite rallies” taking place in other cities.
At the time of this writing, the organizers are still working out the final details of the march route, but know it will be in the vicinity of the National Mall and White House. Participants in the DC march are advised to be at RFK Stadium in Washington by 9 am on the day of the event, and be prepared to line up in front of the Capitol Building at 3rd and Jefferson by 11 am. The march will kick off at 12:30, and events will run until 5:00 in the evening. If you plan to be a part of the march, bring water, snacks, and comfortable shoes.
Getting to Washington, DC for the March
For those planning to travel to DC for the event, the organizers of the march themselves recommend a charter bus. A coach bus or school bus can seat anywhere from twenty to sixty people, and is one of the most ecologically friendly ways to travel long distances. For like-minded people, it’s also a great opportunity to build a sense of community and share a positive experience.
Metropolitan Shuttle can accommodate groups of all sizes wanting to travel to Washington, DC. Our travel planners will work with you to find the best and the most cost-effective way to get to DC for your group.
For those who live and work in Washington DC, getting to the National Mall will be easiest by public transit. Parking is likely to be scarce, and road closures may make it difficult for cars to gain access. Parking is available at the RFK Stadium in Lot 8 is $65 for the day of the march.
The Climate March Nationwide
Washington, DC isn’t the only place hosting the Climate March. Many cities worldwide are home to rallies of their own where you can be a part of the movement and show your support for Earth Week and protecting the environment. These cities include, but are not limited to:
- Augusta, Maine
- Columbus, Ohio
- Hartford, Connecticut
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Miami, Florida
- Oklahoma City
- San Diego
- Denver, Colorado
- Chicago, Illinois
- Portland, Oregon
Everywhere the Climate March takes place, participants are devoted to the Jemez Principles for Democratic Organizing and invested in working together to create positive change and have posted a strict code of conduct against violence and property damage.
People all over the country are gearing up for the march! You can check out more at their Facebook page, the official Twitter account, and the People’s Climate Instagram.
