As the United Nations General Assembly convenes in New York City alongside Climate Week, the urgency of the climate crisis has never been more apparent. On Monday, dozens of activists were arrested during a protest outside Citibank’s global headquarters. Their demand? That one of the world’s largest financial institutions divest from fossil fuels.
Prominent environmentalist Bill McKibben joined voices with climate activists from the Gulf South, Bangladesh, and other communities severely impacted by Citibank-funded fossil fuel projects. These projects have long contributed to environmental degradation, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations around the globe.
Perhaps the most poignant voice came from 12-year-old Kamea Ozane of Southwest Louisiana. “I’m not even a teenager yet, and I have to fight for my life and many others my age,” she lamented. “I shouldn’t have to do this. This is not right.”
It’s profoundly sad that even preteens like Kamea feel compelled to take up the fight for basic necessities like clean air and water. Children should be worried about school and play, not standing on the front lines of environmental activism. Their involvement underscores the severity of the situation and the failure of current leadership to address these critical issues adequately.
Democracy Now!, an independent global news hour airing on over 1,500 TV and radio stations, was on the ground covering the protest. They continue to amplify the voices of those demanding environmental justice. You can watch their livestream at democracynow.org Mondays through Fridays from 8-9 a.m. ET.
The time for action is now. It’s a collective responsibility to ensure that future generations inherit a world where clean air and water are not luxuries to fight for but basic rights guaranteed to all. Let’s stand in solidarity with these young activists and demand meaningful change from institutions like Citibank.
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