FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, June 30, 2014
Contact: Ki Coulson, Great March for Climate Action: 805-270-5232, ki@climatemarch.org
Three and a half million steps taken for the climate
Coast-to-Coast march reaches halfway point as they cross into Nebraska
NEBRASKA — On Monday, June 30, the Great March for Climate Action will cross into Nebraska, marking the halfway point between Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. They marched over 1,500 miles to reach Nebraska through flashfloods, blinding dust storms, excessive drought, crop-crushing hail, and tornado watches. None of these natural events were powerful enough to stop this group of concerned citizens on their mission to inspire and educate on the climate.
The Great March for Climate Action has anticipated their trip through Nebraska since the inception of the march itself. A focal point of the Nebraska route is the Keystone XL pipeline. Over 2 million comments about Keystone XL were submitted to the State Department this year amid growing concerns for effects of transporting toxic tar sands across thousands of miles of land, several rivers, and over the Ogallala Aquifer threatening families, communities, wildlife, and agriculture.
A large event is being planned for crossing the Keystone XL pipeline on July 19th in partnership with Bold Nebraska drawing a crowd from Nebraska and neighboring states. Towns in Nebraska serve as an opportune platform for the marchers to connect with local farmers and ranchers to exchange stories of recent changes and upcoming struggles. Various towns along the way will hold events organized by local volunteers.
“Having walked every step of the way since Los Angeles, it is inspiring to think back on the individuals and communities we have encountered,” said Jeffrey Czerwiec, a dedicated marcher who has taken every step since Los Angeles. “From our experience climate action is happening in every corner of the country, and as we cross into the second half of our journey we look to build connections and create a louder collective voice across all communities for significant action on the climate crisis.”
Marchers are walking 3,000 miles, away from family, friends, work and school, to inspire and organize action to address the present and growing threat of climate change on local, national, and global levels. Marchers began their journey on March 1, 2014 in Los Angeles and will end their march in Washington, DC on November 1, 2014.
The marchers represent 36 different states, 6 countries, and range in age from 8 to 93 years. Along their journey, thousands of other marchers will walk portions of this route to demand action on the climate crisis. Please visit www.climatemarch.org to join the March and find out more about the events in Nebraska.