People’s Climate Movement – A Day of Action

​Climate Justice was the theme on Wednesday, October 14 as the global People’s Climate Movement Day arrived in Phoenix. We at SunHarvest Solar feel it’s our responsibility as business and community leaders to be active participants in our collective future, and our children’s future. 

The first event of the day was the most rewarding, as many volunteers (including 3 kids on fall recess) arrived at Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) at 11am to assist homeless population. SunHarvest Solar purchased and donated 300 umbrellas for our event, For the Love of Shade and Shelter. We had previously given 100 of the umbrellas to CASS in September as they had an immediate need, which you can read about here. It was great to team up with The I Have A Name Project to pass out more than 200 umbrellas, bottled water, toiletries, food, and other items donated by many people. Climate change disproportionately affects the poorest among our communities, and as it was over 100 degrees on this day in downtown Phoenix, the umbrellas and water were a big blessing for many folks. Be sure to check out the video of 8 year olds Zoe and Keegan reflecting on their experience of helping others!

The second event of the day was a climate demonstration organized byChispa AZ which took place in the rose garden at the Phoenix State Capital. The event drew a great crowd of mostly younger activists, and included speeches from Chispa, the Sierra Club and indigenous tribal leaders who want climate action now. Everyone called on Governor Ducey and our state legislators to “do their duty and act on climate.” Adopting a strong energy policy in the valley of the sun would be a good start to addressing climate change locally. 

The third and final event of the day was incredibly moving, uplifting, and inspiring. Approximately 70 people met at Cesar Chavez Plaza for a candlelight vigil, to draw attention to what we are scared of losing due to climate change. The event was initiated with a sacred drum circle, followed by the lighting of candles, and then the children spoke.  From the mouths of babes ranging from toddlers to pre-teens, we were all reminded of the serious implications of inaction on this issue. They spoke of losing chocolate, bees, plants, and animals, yet the most heart pulling…is witnessing the loss of innocence. The vigil ended with another sacred drum circle rhythmically beating drums, echoing through the concrete corridors of downtown, as one people, one heart, one planet united for one cause…humanity.

SunHarvest Solar will be taking part in another climate event on November 7 in downtown Phoenix. Act On Climate Arizona – Our Moral Obligation. You can find those event details here, and we hope you will join us. You can also sign this Act On Climate Arizona petition that will be sent to our Congressional leaders.

 “Climate change is not just a problem for the future. It is impacting us every day, everywhere.”
― Vandana Shiva

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