Activists Demand Faster, Farther-Reaching Action On Climate Change In NYC
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The People's Climate Movement came to the steps of City Hall Friday to send a message to Mayor Bill de Blasio.
As WCBS 880's Rich Lamb reported, the group demonstrated and chanted calls for "climate justice" as they demanded the mayor take action.
"Much more needs to be done on a much faster timeline," said coordinator Leslie Keegan.
Keegan said the current goal of an 80 percent reduction in the carbon footprint by 2050 is insufficient.
"We want the city to recalibrate, to aim for 100 percent reduction of carbon Emissions by 2030," she said. "And yes, we know that's a big lift. It's a heavy lift. But that's the nature of the crisis that we're up against."
The group also wants the city to commit to major use of offshore wind, to divest from fossil fuel firms, to plow more money into mass transit, and to make all its buildings 100 percent renewable no later than 2030.
In commemoration of Earth Day on Friday, the city urged New Yorkers to go car free in an effort to reduce emissions and bring attention to the need for more investment in mass transit. Residents were encouraged to walk or ride a bike.
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