Amid constant consumption of “scorched earth” news headlines and pessimistic perspectives for the future of the health of our planet, processing such information alone is becoming a heavy load to bear. For those looking to create real change, how do we go about doing so? This is not going to be an opinion piece demonizing people posting infographics on social media — using your platform to vocalize your beliefs in the path towards progress has its place. Mainly, I want to highlight the benefits of processing this onslaught of information with others, in meaningful ways, to hopefully effectuate change. This is why I got arrested, shoved into a police van with other activists and spent the day in a jail cell.
On Sept. 18, I participated in a demonstration in which several climate defense organizations occupied the Federal Reserve Bank in Lower Manhattan. I protested with New York Communities for Change, and we chose to target the Federal Reserve to highlight Wall Street’s financing of the fossil fuel industry. Last year alone, oil and gas companies profited over $4 trillion (yes, with a “T!”). This didn’t stop U.S. banks from further providing these companies with $673 billion.
Coal, oil and gas companies have known since at least 1965 that their industry would negatively affect the climate. Their business practices are directly linked to environmental disasters, like wildfires, that end up killing and displacing people, as well as contributing to incredibly harmful CO2 emissions. Instead of making a change, they doubled down on their production of fossil fuels and operated campaigns of misinformation to be spread to the public about the origin of climate change. By funding these corporations, and allowing new pipeline installations and fossil fuel projects, Wall Street and U.S. banks are complicit in, if not directly responsible for, the environmental devastation that occurs as a result. In a capitalist system built off the fundamental rule of “profit over everything,” it is necessary to fight shady operations that lead to exponential profit.
It is hard to fully grapple with the reality of this corrupt and unjustified system we unwittingly take part in. I know my tax dollars are either funding wholly unjustified wars or subsidizing companies’ efforts to pollute natural ecosystems or low-income neighborhoods. Yet I have no say. It is difficult to be reminded daily about the loss of life or the continued decimation of our planet as a direct result of our consumption habits and actions as a society. Through a phone screen, there doesn’t seem to be a “fight back” option at the end of depressing news articles. Joining protests, demonstrations or rallies can be a great exercise in using your voice and engaging with others. When you care about something deeply, it is hard to feel powerless standing next to those who also care deeply.
On Sept. 18, all I felt was love — love for fellow activists and love for the cause. Even as an outsider, unaffiliated with a specific organization, I was included immediately. My participation and involvement wasn’t only encouraged and fostered, but it was necessary to the movement. We marched together, held beautiful signs created by artist activists, chanted through the streets and locked arms in front of a building that represents capitalism incarnate. The impending doom of environmental catastrophe and irreversible climate change seemed to subside in my mind while I stood by a community intent on making a better world. I had nothing to give these organizers but my solidarity, and they welcomed me with open arms and included me in their movement.
Protests usually get a bad reputation regarding safety. While there is certainly a possibility of escalation, this is a rare occurrence in my experience. At almost every demonstration I have attended in the past five years, I have seen families with small children and people intent on ensuring their safety. “We keep each other safe” is a sacred rule echoed throughout marches.
When I occupied the Federal Reserve, I arrived with no intent on getting arrested. I even had classes later that day. As I continued on with the march, however, I was offered help and guidance by other attendees and the incredibly in-depth assembly of legal support and volunteers. I was informed on possible outcomes and risks of getting involved and reassured of my options going forward with getting arrested. There was no push to do something that would get me in trouble, there was nobody forcing my hand.
Our demonstration followed the massive “March on Fossil Fuels” on Sept. 17, where I volunteered. The march was joined by indigenous environmental leaders, local community organizers and well-known political activists like Cornel West. By organizing effectively, we were able to highlight specific problems and demand those in power make change. During NYC Climate Week, being able to target world leaders and United Nations officials in town for the NYC Climate Assembly was crucial.
By occupying the Federal Reserve, our organization was able to pinpoint a specific problem and draw attention to possible solutions while effectively informing the public with the help of the media. We garnered attention from several large news agencies, as well as countless independent media outlets, all intent on covering the arrests of over 140 climate activists. Sparking social advocacy through demonstrations and inspiring cultural change leads to real changes in policy and regulation.
Community engagement and participating in activism, no matter how small the scale, can lead to real change. Protests, demonstrations and walk-outs allow engagement within a community and implore people to stand up for what they care about. When people care, change is made. When people care enough about a cause, they might even be willing to get arrested for it and make news headlines.
This is a call to Fordham students: organize and mobilize. Only so much can be done internally or through social media. There are communities that need you, your voice and your advocacy. If you feel strongly about something, engage with others that might want to make a change. We are privileged with the built-in community of an established university. Learn, get involved and get connected. It is far healthier to process the grief of the atrocities of climate change and social injustice everywhere by standing by one another, looking to make change.
Kenny Moll, FCLC ’24, is an environmental studies major from Chicago, Ill.
