Each of these 400,000 messengers had specific reasons motivating him or her to travel perhaps hundreds or even thousands of miles to the march. Signs and banners stated their specific concerns.
Some messages were clever - needing a moment’s reflection. “Whenever there’s a solar spill we call it a nice day.” Or, “Reflect on an arctic that doesn’t reflect.” And, “Good atmospheres are hard to find.”
Others alluded to modern pop culture such as, “All we are saying, is give Earth a chance.” (John Lennon anyone?) Or, “We have met the enemy, and he is us,” by Pogo. And from Dr. Seuss’s Lorax, “ Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, things will not change. Oh no, they will not!”
There were patriotic signs encouraging our country to provide the leadership the world needs. “USA Lead the Way.” And “This is True Patriotism” – referring to participation in the People’s Climate March.
Some signs were simple blank, empty rectangles except for the name of a low-lying country or city that is already struggling with rising sea levels. These included the Bahamas, Samoa, Osaka, New Orleans, Maldives, and Miami to name a few.
The sentiments of these messages call us all to action: “Climate Change – a Moral Imperative” (carried by the Interfaith Clergy). Or, “Act like you live here – your children will thank you.” And “We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.” These messages from the marchers are vitally important because “There is no Planet B.” Earth is the only home we’ll ever know. We are forever…Earthbound.”