Students, activists call for urgent climate change solutions

MADISON (WKOW) – In honor of Earth Day, the Associated Students of Madison (ASM) Sustainability Committee in collaboration with 350 Wisconsin and EARTHDAY.ORG, hosted a rally to draw attention to the importance of clear air, water, and soil for future generations. 

Students, activists, and state leaders gathered outside of the UW Madison Library Mall to march down State Street calling for urgent climate solutions at the local, and global level. 

Melina Nguyen is the sustainability chair of the Associated Students of Madison. She’s worried about having clear water and air for people now, and later. 

“We’re pushing our slogan of ‘Stop the Rollbacks’ right now, just asking that politicians and policy makers are not taking us out of the climate agreements that are really important to our future. And instead, doubling down on those environmental protections.” Nguyen said. 

Annie Bachmann is the US ambassador for the Flame of Hope. She discussed the beauty in nature, and beauty in the diversity of all animals, and its dependence on diversity for life on Earth.

“We may not be here in 30, 40 years, but you know, our grandchildren, our great nieces and nephews will. So, we want to really work hard together to unite and to create a world that will continue beyond our existence.”

Francesca Hong is a state representative in the district of Madison. She spoke in support of the movement because she believes that we need to work together to do something to correct all of the wrongs in the past. 

 “I saw some amazing young folks who are probably in grade school, and then people who have probably been fighting, or have been fighting for climate justice for many, many years.”

Organizers say they hope the event inspires ongoing involvement in climate advocacy. Hong believes, if we’re going to fight back and fight for our climate, we have to do it by letting the youth lead us.