Center for Biological Diversity


For Immediate Release, September 15, 2014

Contact: Valerie Love, (510) 274-9713

People's Climate Train Leaves California En Route to Historic Climate March in New York City

EMERYVILLE, Calif.— More than 100 people — including nuns, ministers, tribal leaders and student activists — boarded the People’s Climate Train this morning for a four-day cross-country trip en route to the largest demonstration in the history of the climate movement. The train, organized by the Center for Biological Diversity, will include workshops, discussions and activist trainings as the train passes through lands threatened by the climate crisis.

“It’s really inspiring to see so many people climbing aboard this train united in a call for action on global warming,” said the Center’s Valerie Love. “In one way or another, the climate crisis will touch every corner of this country. People know now that if we don’t act soon, we’ll see more heat waves, rising seas and disastrous storms. We have a chance to change the course of history — that’s what this train is about.”

All told, the People’s Climate Train will carry about 170 people. Most boarded the Amtrak this morning in Emeryville, Calif. The train will stop and pick up more climate riders in Reno, Denver, Salt Lake City, Omaha and Chicago. The train arrives in New York on Thursday. The People’s Climate Rally, which will include thousands of people from around the country, will be Sunday, Sept. 21.

“I’m a Buddhist nun and a grandmother. I’ll be in coach on the People’s Climate Train for four days and three nights to get there, and I’m so glad I have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Sister Santussika. “The People’s Climate March is the best opportunity yet to make a difference for the future of all our children and grandchildren and all living beings on Earth.”

“I am a part of a group of young activists striving to create larger impacts in social justice movements, and this is a fantastic place to make more connections, get advice, get training, and continue networking for activism far into the future,” said Aaron Kratzer, a student at Oregon State University.

Sponsors of the train include Global Exchange, Buddhist Global Relief, 350.org, Sierra Club, Avaaz, Idle No More Bay Area, Citizen’s Climate Lobby, Breakthrough Communities Urban Tilth, Communities for a Better Environment and other regional grassroots groups.


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