Students and Activists Strike for Climate Change in Binghamton

Almost 200 students and activists gathered in front of Senator Chuck Schumer's office in Binghamton on September 20th for a climate strike. The local climate strike was held as part of global climate strikes which over 7.6 Million people across the world took part in. Those involved intended to raise awareness for aspects of climate change, and how it will affect our future.

The main focus of the strike was speeches given by the activists. The speeches started with event organizer Dylan Feliciano, who touched on subjects such as the effects of climate change on the environment, failures of our government to reign in climate change, the effect that fossil fuel companies have on our environment and how we can help fight climate change in our everyday lives.

“Fossil fuel companies are reaping the benefits, and people are suffering the consequences.” Says Feliciano. He then opened the mic to anyone who wished to speak. A few concerned citizens did take the opportunity to speak, and touched on more subjects such as our military's carbon footprint, veganism, reducing plastic use and more. The speeches were livestreamed on Facebook.

When asked what drew him to climate activism, Feliciano quoted Ghandi, saying “Be the change you want to see in the world.” and continued saying “If I want things to change in the world, I have to do something, and if I do something, other people may join.” When asked about the reaction of the crowd who turned out, he said “I have gotten nothing but positive reactions, and I have been so pleased from the people who came out, their words were really potent and important.”

Before and after the speeches, activists held signs and prompted cars to honk in solidarity as they passed by. Signs read slogans such as “There is no planet B” and “Like the ocean, we rise.” Chants were yelled, and people cheered as cars honked. Sign making materials were also provided for those who did not bring their own.

Many different groups were represented, such as students from SUNY Broome and Binghamton University, proponents of the Green New Deal, the local Peace Party, the Green Party and Green Party city council candidate Aviva Freeman.

Feliciano says that the strike was specifically located in front of Chuck Schumer's office because he believes that Schumer is not doing enough to advance policies that will help the environment, in the face of a Republican majority in the senate.

Feliciano said he plans on organizing another climate event on Earth Day next year.

Originally published in the Fulcrum, October 7, 2019.