In New Paltz, NY, the community braved rain and wind to take part in the 350 Climate Action Fair hosted by the Climate Action
Coalition of New Paltz and New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG).
Environmental activists, scientists, farmers and citizens
talked with each other about ways to reduce our use of CO2-
producing energy. Dr.Catherine O’Reilly, one of the authors of the IPCC report that won a Nobel Peace Prize in 2007, spoke about local effects of climate change, as did Scientists from the Mohonk Preserve.
Local farmers discussed how “eating green and local” helps
the planet. Participants walked into their green future to learn
how they could save energy in their homes and lives to lesson their carbon footprint on the planet. Local bands kept the gathering jumping while New Paltz High school and SUNY students danced, dressed in fashions designed to meet the challenges of climate change.
The stormy day took on a feeling of carnival as people
poured out of the big tent following the sounds of brass horns
onto the field for a gigantic group photo at 3:50 PM spelling out
the number “350.”
Photo by Lauren Thomas, New Paltz Times