The demonstrators said they raised their voice in order to highlight the need for environmental justice and a clean economy. "We said it would take everyone to change everything -- and everyone showed up," said Eddie Bautista, Executive Director of the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance.
The organizers had said the rally was aimed at drawing global attention towards "the ravages of climate change." The director of the Environmental Justice Alliance said: "With our future on the line and the whole world watching, we'll take a stand to bend the course of history. We'll take to the streets to demand the world we know is within our reach: a world with an economy that works for people and the planet; a world safe from the ravages of climate change; a world with good jobs, clean air and water, and healthy communities."
The march was held as world leaders are arriving in New York City for a UN summit over the climate crisis that begins tomorrow. More than 2,000 other similar events were held in other cities around the globe over the weekend.