cient Future

by Arielle Wortzel

On February 17th, I joined over 40,000 people gathered at the nation’s capital to protest against the Keystone XL pipeline. The Keystone XL pipeline project is a proposed pipeline that is meant to run 1,179 miles long, bringing crude oil from Canada down to the gulf coast. The implementation of the pipeline has promised to guarantee increased oil production in the US, more jobs, affordable gasoline prices, and better international relations.

However, those in the rally were there to remind the public that in addition to these proposed benefits, there are many risks associated with the implementation of the pipeline. For one thing, the pipeline will be destructive for the natural ecosystem and communities around the area of construction. In addition, the tar sands pose a threat to our fresh water supply, with the possibility of tar sand spills. What’s more, the pipeline would increase our country’s energy dependence on oil. With an increased dependence on oil there would be less incentive to invest in greener and more renewable sources of energy such as wind, solar, and hydropower. Continuing to use oil as our main source of energy also means higher carbon emissions, and increased carbon in our atmosphere is one of the key driving forces of climate change around our world. The movement was peaceful yet powerful. People from all different ethnicities, ages, incomes and parts of the country came together to join forces in this event. Why? Because climate change is something that affects everyone- no matter one’s background or standard of living. The movement was beautiful; the crowd covered the Mall lawn under the Washington Monument at noon, creating a sea of signs, cheers, crazy costumes, and smiles. It was cold— below 30 degrees with 25mph gusts of winds. However, these weather conditions did not stop the passionate activists who gathered there that chilly day. Key-note speakers inspired the crowd to keep up their passion and enthusiasm. We heard from environmentalists including Bill McKibben, the president of Sierra club, and others such as Canadian Native Americans who spoke about being displaced by this project. After listening to what our speakers had to say, the crowd took their cheers and signs on a peaceful march to the Whitehouse, where we encircled the gated building, making our thoughts about the pipeline known.

This was an exciting event for several reasons—one being that it shows there is hope for our future. What was expected to be 10,000 people at the rally turned into an excited crowd of over 40,000 people. It shows that citizens are ready to take action on climate change, and go to lengths such as traveling across the country to make their voices heard on the matter. I will never forget the energy of the crowd, the experience of marching with thousands of others, and the people I met that cold February day in Washington D.C.