Early Monday morning, climate activists gathered in Washington, D.C., to block major traffic intersections in a protest with The Coalition to Shut Down DC. The United Nations climate summit begins today in New York City. Leaders from around the world—more than 60 in total—are attending the summit. Sixteen-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg sailed from the United Kingdom to New York to attend the summit. She recently led the massive youth climate action strike in New York, too.
In D.C., activists are hoping to raise awareness and push lawmakers to take action to address the climate crisis. Black Lives Matter D.C. worked with the climate action movement and arranged for healthcare professionals to give free health screenings in Southeast Washington, because, as people of color know all too well, the climate crisis is a racial justice issue, too.
Exact attendance numbers haven’t yet been released, but participating groups included the Metro D.C. chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, Extinction Rebellion D.C., and Black Lives Matter D.C..
Kris Van Cleaver of CBS News reported there was a significant increase in police presence as early as 6 a.m. The Metropolitan Police Department said in a statement that it was prepared for the protest: "MPD is aware of the assembly. In regards to public safety planning, MPD does not discuss operational tactics; however, our Special Operations Division is equipped to handle First Amendment assemblies of any stature. MPD would also like to advise the public to remain vigilant, and if you see something, say something."
According to WUSA9, D.C. police said they arrested 26 people, while U.S. Capitol Police said they arrested six in connection to the protest. WTOP reports that, so far, they’ll be charged with blocking an intersection.
Check out some photos and videos from the protest below.
People have strong feelings about protests, especially when they involve stopping traffic. While Alicia Garza, the co-founder of Black Lives Matter, isn’t involved with today’s climate action in D.C., she recently spoke to Daily Kos about allyship and what to do when you support a cause but not necessarily its tactics. Check out her full interview here, or watch the video for yourself below: