TL/DR –
Activists gathered at Pritchard Park in Asheville to advocate for climate action, emphasizing the unusually high temperatures in the area as evidence of climate change. Organized by the state chapter of Third Act NC, a national political advocacy group, the rally called for large U.S. banks to stop funding fossil fuels. The demonstration coincided with a period of abnormally hot and dry weather in Asheville, with temperatures reaching above 90 degrees, adding to the urgency of their call for climate action.
Climate Action in Asheville: Protesters Rally Against Fossil Fuels Funding at Pritchard Park
Activists gathered at Pritchard Park in downtown Asheville to demand climate action amidst soaring temperatures. The park was primarily selected due to its proximity to Wells Fargo Bank, reflecting the protesters’ call to halt funding for fossil fuel projects. The event was organized by the state chapter of Third Act NC, an extension of a national political advocacy group.
Organizer Cheryl Orengo voiced her concerns about the future her grandchildren will inherit, indicating a critical need for environmental changes.
The climate change protest, attended by about 40 people and accompanied by the radical marching band Brass Your Heart, demanded that major U.S. banks stop using our money to fund fossil fuels, as stated by Karen Willey, an Asheville environmental educator.
The group, Third Act, was founded by climate activist and author Bill McKibben, with a focus on rallying individuals over 60 around climate change. This comes as Asheville and other areas nationwide experience abnormally hot and dry weather conditions, according to assistant state climatologist, Corey Davis.
The National Weather Service forecasts that Asheville will see temperatures in the high 80s and low 90s throughout the weekend.
Concerns about the unusual heat were expressed by Asheville residents who remembered times when air conditioning was not necessary. Now, many find themselves heavily reliant on it. Karen Willey suggested that for those without a way to get cool or who work outdoors, the temperatures can be dangerous. The city’s homeless population, construction workers, and landscapers were particularly mentioned as vulnerable groups.
Buncombe County issued a health warning about the rising temperatures, emphasizing the dangers for vulnerable individuals like outside workers, children, older adults, and pregnant individuals.
In the face of the climate crisis, Asheville City Council declared a climate emergency in January 2020. Acknowledging the urgent need to combat climate change as well as the disproportionate impact on low-income and communities of color.
Asheville has been identified as one of the top U.S. cities likely to see an influx of residents due to climate migration. Willey herself is proof of this, having moved from a bay in southwest Florida to escape rising sea levels.
Related:Meet Asheville’s 1st urban forester. How will the city grow its tree canopy?
Related:City of Asheville aims to incorporate climate justice into policies, procedures
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