We were lucky enough to have two Global Warming Story Tour stops here in Pennsylvania. The first event was on Friday at Phoenixville’s First Friday.

The crowd came out to enjoy the last street festival (with live music!) of the summer. At the event, there was a Grateful Dead cover band named Splintered Sunlight. The irony makes me laugh.

Passersby were excited to check out the truck. The people of Phoenixville stopped to share their stories with Greenpeace about how global warming is affecting their lives, what they are doing to stop global warming, and what they are asking Congress to do in order to stop global warming. One passerby stopped with his daughter to tell his story about his travels to Glacier National Park and how he saw first hand how climate change is affecting the glaciers. Pennsylvanians came out to tell Congress that they are doing their part as Americans, and now it is time for Congress to do theirs.

Message to congressional candidates: Pennsylvanians are waiting for action.

The Global Warming Story Tour also visited Greenfest Philly on South Street the following day. The event had over 200 exhibitors and an estimated 20,000 people. Passersby were again very excited to see the Rolling Sunlight truck and its impressive display of solar panels. I was inspired myself watching the diverse group of people that volunteered to share their stories about how global warming is affecting their life and the steps they are making in their personal lives to stop it.

Even though people from all backgrounds took the time speak about global warming, they all shared the same belief that Congress needs to take action to stop global warming. Symbols of 1776, like the Liberty Bell, remind Philadelphians everyday about independence and revolution. Now Pennsylvanians are joining together and asking Congress for a 21st century energy revolution. We are asking Congress to use energy more efficiently, reduce the amount of global warming pollution dumped in the atmosphere, and invest in renewables like wind and solar.

Congress, here in Pennsylvania we are doing out part. Now it is time you did yours.

-Jillian Costigan
Greenpeace field organizer, PA-06