Commitment to Action on Climate Change

Originally Posted on 09 June 2017

On June 3rd the Buffalo March for Science joined Western New Yorkers in Niagara Square for emergency action on lack of U.S. commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement.

Although numerous events were scheduled for June 3rd, during Buffalo’s busy festival season and Pride Week for the LGBTQ community, nearly 200 people came out with less than a few days of notice, to let the world know Buffalo’s commitment to slowing climate change.

The Buffalo March for Science’s Outreach Chair, Zayne Sember, invited New York State Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul to speak at the event. She was introduced to the crowd by Buffalo March for Science Founding Chair, Alexandria Trujillo. Hochul was enthusiastic about the number of Buffalonians who showed up to be heard on climate change. She spoke about New York State’s commitment to renewable energy, 50% renewables by 2030, and Governor Cuomo’s role in the formation of the United States Climate Alliance.

The organization is a bipartisan group of states pledging to uphold the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change within their borders. The goals of the completely voluntary agreement include reducing carbon dioxide emissions, sharing information on best practices, and strengthening existing climate action plans. Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown has also joined the US Climate Alliance and the US Conference of Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement.

Hochul noted the present political atmosphere in Washington D.C. and stated that Buffalo does, “not have to go along for that ride.”

She was followed by speakers from the Western New York Peace Center, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, and New York State Senator Timothy Kennedy.

Scout Dakoda Smith spoke to those gathered about his generation and that he hoped we would all come together to make, “a happy health planet” for generations to come far after his own.

The Buffalo March for Science is currently seeking alliances and commitments it can make so future generations can enjoy our world. Please let us know about opportunities for organizational commitment to action on climate change.