Mason students attend 'Forward on Climate' Rally in D.C.

(Photo courtesy of Brittany Grutter)

On Sunday, Feb. 17, people from all over the nation gathered on the National Mall to hold a climate change rally. This event was called, “Forward on Climate.” Battling through extremely low temperatures and freezing wind chills, over 30,000 people made sure President Obama heard their voices. Rest assured that a major statement was made on President’s Day: from marching up and down the National Mall to chanting for a fight against climate, the crowd made their presence and their cause known. Many students and staff members from our very own George Mason University were present on this historical day.

“It felt good knowing that over 30,000 people agreed with me,” says Brittany Grutter, a freshman currently living in the Sustainability LLC.

The rally mainly focused on a few major issues. The most important issue was making sure the Keystone XL Pipeline was rejected. The pipeline would transport crude oil from Canada, through the U.S., to the Gulf Coast.

Another focus was that of limiting US greenhouse gases and transitioning to renewable energy. The current peer mentor for the Sustainability LLC, Roger LeBlanc, was also present at the historical rally.

“It was nice to see our work at school being connected to the greater movement,” LeBlanc said.

Climate change isn’t a joke or even a question anymore. Oceans are rising, temperatures are warming, and many animals are becoming extinct. Years have gone by without any action taken on this global conflict. Many strong words have been said, but not much action has been taken. LeBlanc said, “The rally was just the beginning.”

(Photo courtesy of Roger Leblanc)

 Meteorologists and climate change specialists will be extremely busy and needed in the coming years. If there is ever a time for people to come together as one, it is now. When asked how she felt before the rally, Allie Sibner, a member of the Mindful Living LLC, said “I felt like I was one of the only people who cared about climate change."

Seeing over 30,000 people march DC seemed to really have an effect on just about everyone who went or even saw it on the news.

 “People listen if you’re loud,” said Sibner.

And she couldn’t have said it any better. Let’s get loud, George Mason University.  Let’s be heard.