Today’s UN climate change march was quite moving. To be absolutely honest, I have not been following recent news surrounding climate change, let alone the news about Switzerland’s plan to construct a new airport in Nijgadh, which would result in the destruction of nearly 2.4 million trees, and the subsequent ramifications of deforestation, wildlife endangerment, and climate changes, as I had later learned.
Observing the scenes from the side of the road, passerbys in buses and vehicles, and nearby houses and shops seemed curious at the event; the local police was kind in keeping the people marching safe from oncoming traffic; and the participants of the march seemed to be mostly young students and young adults in their 20s and 30s. Us UW students quickly joined in the movement.
During the march, folks from the Nepal Communitere gave us signs to hold up, to be a more active participant. Although most of the time I didn’t understand the chanting in Nepalese, seeing the young Nepalese folks and children alike shouting out “What do we want? Climate justice! When do we want it? We want it now!” in English and holding signs that read “Climate change can’t wait til I grow up” and “There’s no planet B” gave me the chills. It was truly inspiring to be marching alongside the young kids; seeing and feeling their passion and dedication, I almost had tears on the road. I felt slightly ashamed that I have not been so attuned to climate change issues; I want to be more engaged in climate change conversations and actions. I want future generations to still able to enjoy our precious blue dot.
My sign, courtesy of Nepal Communitere
At the final assembly point of the march