Hundreds of thousands prepare for the world’s largest “day without fossil fuels”
Moving Planet - A Day to Move Beyond Fossil Fuels - September 24, 2011
INTERNATIONAL — Is it possible for the world to move beyond fossil fuels? On September 24, more than 150 countries are expected to take part in a global day events called “Moving Planet” dedicated to the goal of solving the climate crisis by ending the world’s dependence on fossil-fuel energy.
From Pacific islands to European capitols, hundreds of thousands will join creative rallies to show that people around the world are ready for clean energy and climate solutions.
“The planet has been stuck for too long with governments doing nothing about the biggest problem we’ve ever faced,” said Bill McKibben, the founder of 350.org, the international climate campaign that is coordinating the demonstrations. “This is the day when people will get the earth moving, rolling towards the solutions we need.”
“Moving Planet” events will include:
- In the Dominican Republic, students will paint the country’s first bike lane in Santo Domingo.
- In Brazil, thousands of cyclists will take to the streets of São Paulo to call for sustainable transportation solutions.
- In India, thousands of people gathered in Andhra Pradesh for a public meeting on the impact of coal pollution in the region.
- In Indonesia, cyclists will bike 350 hours from Bali to Bandung for a clean energy rally. In Italy, hundreds of cyclists will take to the busy streets of Milan to draw attention to local pollution and traffic congestion.
- In Ukraine, hundreds are expected to join a “flash-dance” in Kiev’s main square.
- In Egypt, hundreds of people will parade in blue clothing to create a human Nile river, drawing attention to the importance of protecting precious water resources.
- In South Africa, thousands will join a parade in Cape Town to call on the South African government to support bold climate action at this November’s UN Climate Talks in Durban.
Photos and videos of the events will be projected at a rally outside UN Headquarters in New York City, where world leaders will be gathered for the UN General Assembly.
“Moving Planet” is meant to show politicians that in every country on Earth, people are demanding an end to the fossil-fuel economy and an immediate transition to clean energy solutions.
Featured Global Events
North America:
- In New York City, thousands of people will bike the United Nations headquarters for a rally to show their support for a global climate treaty.
- In Boston, thousands of people from across the state will gather in Boston Common to call on politicians running for office in 2012 to support bold action on climate and the environment.
- In San Francisco, thousands will come together via bike, boat, foot, and electric car for a rally outside San Francisco City Hall with 350.org founder Bill McKibben and Sierra Club Executive Director Mike Brune.
- In Minneapolis, thousands of Minnesotans will gather at the state capitol to show their support for solutions to the climate crisis.
- In Colorado, thousands will join a “Power Past Fossil Fuels” bike ride from the Municipal Building in Boulder to the State Capitol Building in Denver, stopping to rally at coal plants and other iconic dirty energy faciltities along the way.
Latin America:
- In the Dominican Republic, students painted the country’s first bike lane in Santo Domingo.
- In Argentina, a bike group will be giving out free bicycle lessons to pedestrians in Buenos Aires.
- In Brazil, hundreds of cyclists will take to the streets of São Paulo to call for sustainable transportation solutions.
Asia:
- In India, thousands of people gathered in Andhra Pradesh for a public meeting on the impact of coal pollution in the region.
- In Indonesia, cyclists will bike 350 hours from Bali to Bandung for a clean energy rally.
- In Vietnam, thousands of volunteers will take the streets in Ho Chi Minh City and across the country to raise awareness about solutions to local air pollution and climate change.
Europe:
- In Italy, hundreds of cyclists will take to the busy streets of Milan to draw attention to local pollution and traffic congestion.
- In Ukraine, hundreds are expected to join a “flash-dance” in Kiev’s main square.
- In Germany, people will parade through Berlin listening to dance music broadcast by a DJ pulled by an electric car.
- In France, hundreds of people will gather in Paris to form the image of a giant wind-turbine to demand the “transition énergétique,” an immediate transition to renewable energy.
Africa:
- In Egypt, hundreds of people will parade in blue clothing to create a human Nile river, drawing attention to the importance of protecting precious water resources.
- In the Democratic Republic of Congo, organizers are hosting a bike race through the streets of Kinshasa.
- In Kenya, hundreds of young people will take to the streets of Nairobi to demand solutions to the climate crisis.
- In South Africa, thousands will join a parade in Cape Town to call on the South African government to support bold climate action at this November’s UN Climate Talks in Durban.
Pacific:
- In New Zealand, amateur astronauts in Wellington will be “launching” a rocket to search for a new planet to move to. If the launch fails (as expected), they’ll turn to saving the planet we already have.
- In Australia, hundreds will gather on Bondi Beach in support of the Prime Minister’s proposed price on pollution.
For more information and to find a Moving Planet event near you, visit http://www.moving-planet.org. Keep up with Moving Planet throughout on Facebook and Twitter @Moving_Planet