An astonishing 400,000 enthusiasts from all over the United States flooded the streets of New York City on Sept. 21. It was by far the largest climate march in history. Two buses full of University students and Lewisburg residents left campus at 6:45 a.m. for the drive into Manhattan.

Once they arrived, students made signs for the protest and each received a ribbon on which they signed their name, hometown, and a message about their thoughts on climate change. At the end of their march, they went to the ribbon tree, where they tied their own ribbon on and took another’s to keep as their own. One read, “I am losing humanity. I am losing coexistence. I hope never to lose love.”

Everyone was given a poster that read “I’m marching for” with a blank white box to write a cause. The streets were filled with signs that read things such as “I’m marching for our future,” “I’m marching for our children,” “I’m marching for our forests,” or “I’m marching for climate justice.” The march was full of excitement and passion, and people were chanting, singing, and cheering throughout the day.

The march went on for several miles and hours. The People’s Climate March organization have counted 2,808 solidarity events in 166 different countries. Stores and shops including Patagonia and Ben & Jerry’s were shut down for the day, and also had their employees come out for the cause as a show of support.

“Being a part of such a large movement was so inspirational,” Avery Snyder ’18 said. “The only way we’re going to bring about change is with widespread support, and with an issue as crucial as the fate of our planet, I think this is an amazing step in the right direction.”

There was a sense of unity among the crowd, as people felt comfortable talking to complete strangers. The motto “To change everything, we need everyone” really showed in all the people who were ready to make a change.