Avaaz.org reports that last weekend’s Global Climate March “broke records as the largest climate mobilization in history. From São Paulo to Sydney, 785,000 of us shook the ground in over 2,300 events in 175 countries, united in one voice calling for a 100 per cent clean energy future.”

The great civil rights leader Frederick Douglas remarked long ago that “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never has and it never will.” Furthermore, it has been said that if you do not fight for what you want, you deserve what you get. Increasing recognition of these truths is confirmed by the swelling climate movement across the globe, intent on calling for a bold and just climate deal in Paris that is in line with the imperatives of science and justice. Hundreds of thousands are determined to press world leaders to agree on measures to substantially cut carbon emissions caused by the burning of fossil fuels in an effort to save human civilization and life on earth as we know it.

On the Vineyard, 35 people came together at Five Corners to march in solidarity with people all over the world to demand that our governments act swiftly and boldly to stem global warming. It felt empowering to our small Island contingent, comprised of young and elderly, to know that we were part of a global movement of citizens trying to prevent a catastrophic shift in the balance of our biosphere.

We know that climate change is real. We know it is happening. We know it on our Island as we see the erosion of our coastline and its threat to our infrastructures and as we detect the acidification and warming of our waters already affecting our shellfish and native fishes.

We must quickly commit to keeping 80 per cent of fossil fuels in the ground by 2030 as we swiftly invest in achieving 100 per cent renewable energy by 2050. We are facing the fight of our lives to preserve life on this planet. It calls for an unprecedented cooperation by the global community.

We in 350MVI and all who joined with us for this visibility standout, urge you to talk to your families and friends and acquaintances about getting involved in this most important movement. To change everything, we need everyone. We already have the technology to become 100 per cent green. To secure the necessary political will, widespread masses must pressure world leaders relentlessly — and we have to make it clear that we will not be ignored.

Ann Rosenkranz
West Tisbury