Strike against climate change today: Shut Down DC activists block traffic as US summit gets under way – live updates

Climate activists blocked important intersections in Washington, DC, early Monday morning to protest the protests ahead of the UN climate summit in New York this week. More than 60 countries will participate in the summit, which begins today, and activists seek to pressure US lawmakers and other world leaders to develop legislation that addresses climate change.

The event, called Shut Down DC, is loosely associated with the Metro D.C chapter of the US Democratic Socialists and Black Lives Matter D.C. According to Reuters, nearly 1,150 people had signed up for the protest on a dedicated website Sunday night.

"We hope that thanks to our actions on Monday, we can raise public awareness of this issue and understand that we simply can not continue as if nothing has happened, we need radical measures to fight against the change. in the near future, "said Mike Golash, spokesperson for Shut Down DC, according to WUSA, a CBS News affiliate.

The protests in Washington DC were scheduled for Monday at Farragut Square, Columbus Circle, Folger Park and Hancock Park. Protesters blocked several major thoroughfares in the nation's capital and some chained themselves to a sailboat at the intersection of 16th Street and K Street, reported Julia Boccagno of CBS News. The boat was then towed.

Metro DC police said in a statement that it was ready for Monday's event: "MPD is aware of the assembly. With regard to public security planning, MPD We do not discuss operational tactics, but our special operations division is able to manage First Amendment meetings, and MPD would like to advise the public to remain vigilant and, if you see something, say something. "

Kris Van Cleave, of CBS News, said the police presence has increased significantly at 6 am in downtown Washington DC. He added that the police department had increased its staff to respond to protests and encouraged people to take the subway.

The protests took place as activists play an increasingly important role in the debate on climate change. Earlier this month, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg arrived in New York Wednesday after crossing the Atlantic Ocean aboard a zero emission yacht. Thunberg, 16, used the boat to educate the public about greenhouse gases emitted from the use of commercial aircraft.

Last week, millions of people around the world left their schools and workplaces to demand urgent action on climate change. Global climate strikes, which are taking place in more than 150 countries, were scheduled before the opening of the UN General Assembly and this week's Climate Action Summit. In 2017, President Trump announced that he would pull the United States out of the climate deal in Paris, saying its terms were unfair to US businesses, workers and taxpayers.

"I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris," Trump said at the time.