CHANGING CLIMATE

Activists call for change in Trump environmental policies

POTTSTOWN >> “The oceans are rising and so are we.”

That was just one of the many signs that could be seen Saturday as hundreds of people made their way down High Street for the Pottstown Climate March.

The march was aimed at several things including supporting solutions to global warming; the right to clean air, water, and land; sustaining healthy communities; preservation of the natural landscape; investment in sustainable technologies; and focus on environmental education.

The Pottstown Climate March was one of about 300 other marches around the country including a primary march in Washington, D.C. Organizers say they are upset with President Trump’s environmental policies.

“When the announcement came out about the People’s Climate March in Washington, D.C., there was also an effort to launch sister marches throughout the country,” said

Larry Cohen, who organized the Pottstown event along with his wife, Marla Hexter. “We decided to have one here locally. Pottstown seemed to be a logical place to have one. It’s a nice wide street with a wide sidewalk. There’s a lot of interest because we’re far enough from Philadelphia so that people aren’t going to go to center city.”

By 1 p.m., the march’s scheduled starting time, over 100 people had gathered outside The Hill School on High Street where it was set to begin. After only a few minutes longer, the crowd continued to grow. Activists with homemade signs and specially designed T-shirts showed up to have their voices heard and help bring awareness about the need for environmental protections.

“We want to demonstrate our passion about the environment and send a message to policy makers that we care about the environment including, of course, global warming,” Cohen added. “We also want to raise awareness about environmentally benign technologies, using renewable energy, things like that.”

As the march began, hundreds of participants raised their signs and made their way down High Street toward the ending destination in Riverfront Park, each with their own reasons for participating.

“Where I live sustainable agriculture is a huge thing in terms of things like going green on campus,” explained Louisy Thompson, 29, of Pennsburg on why it was important for her to be there. Thompson, a teacher at The Perkiomen School, brought about nine of her students with her Saturday to assist with and participate in the march.

“For me, being here and seeing the kids getting involved with the community means a lot in terms of them going outside their bubble of a boarding school and understanding some of the larger issues that are taking place. They’re understanding what is going on in Washington, D.C., and trying to be part of a community movement in something that they’re passionate about. So for me, seeing students coming with me to be a part of this is just invaluable,” said Thompson.

Sister marches nearby included a climate march

MARIAN DENNIS — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Hundreds rallied Saturday along High Street in Pottstown to make their voices heard concerning climate change and the need for better policies. The march was one of hundreds that were taking place around the country to spur change and bring awareness...

MARIAN DENNIS — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Rally-goers proudly displayed signs during the Pottstown Climate March Saturday along High Street. The march was meant to bring attention to the need for environmental change.

MARIAN DENNIS — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA in West Chester at Market and High streets and the Philly People’s Climate March at City Hall. The hundreds of marches coincided with President Trump’s 100th day in office and were meant to demonstrate opposition to the rollback of environmental...

MARIAN DENNIS — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA An activist in Pottstown holds up a sign at the Pottstown Climate March Saturday that reads, “We can’t ignore climate change.” The sign was one among a sea of others that expressed concerns over the current administration’s views on environmental policy.

MARIAN DENNIS — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Participants brought homemade signs to a rally on High Street Saturday to show their desire for change in environmental regulations.

MARIAN DENNIS — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Hundreds showed up Saturday to participate in the Pottstown Climate March. The march began on High Street in front of The Hill School and continued down to Riverfront Park.

MARIAN DENNIS — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Activists made their way down High Street toward Riverfront Park Saturday during the Pottstown Climate March. The event drew hundreds looking to make their voices heard.

MARIAN DENNIS — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA One activist holds a “Free the EPA” sign during the Pottstown Climate March on Saturday.

MARIAN DENNIS — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA A rally-goer pokes fun at the idea of “alternative facts” during a march in Pottstown Saturday. The event was aimed at bringing change to current environmental policy.