Senator Sanders Promotes Climate Awareness on Earth Day
For the third straight year, New York State Senator James Sanders Jr., representing NY’s 10th Senate District which covers Broad Channel, the entire Rockaway Peninsula, and parts of Southeast Queens, braved the cool Rockaway waters igniting a powerful Earth Day celebration, emphasizing the importance of climate action and community involvement. The event, held on April 20th, drew enthusiastic participation from residents, inspiring collaboration and tangible steps towards a healthier planet.
“Time is no longer a bystander in our fight against climate change; it’s the rallying cry echoing through every community,” Senator James Sanders Jr. said. “Our urgency is not just global; it’s deeply local. Each action we take, every decision we make within our own neighborhoods, reverberates globally. Let’s embrace this urgency as a beacon of hope, igniting grassroots movements and empowering communities to champion sustainable change, for the health of our planet and the prosperity of our localities.”
The day began with a well-attended Breakfast Reception provided where attendees networked and discussed environmental solutions. Following the reception was a community tree planting initiative, offering a hands-on opportunity to make a positive environmental impact on the local area.
The highlight of the celebration continued with a re-enactment of the popular “Tuvalu Challenge,” a simulation highlighting the urgent challenges faced by low-lying nations due to climate change. Sanders paid obeisance to the waters and this impactful experience resonated deeply with participants.
“As we’ve all seen in recent years, climate change poses a major threat to NYC,” said NYC Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, who represents City Council District 31 which includes eastern parts of Rockaway. “Studies suggest the Rockaways may be permanently inundated with water by 2080 if coastal protections are not put in place, which is why we must prioritize opportunities to enact sustainable change through proactive legislation and collective action. I remain committed to advancing new climate change initiatives like NYC Local Law 46, which recently went into effect to create the Office of Marine Debris Disposal and Vessel Surrendering. This office aims to prevent and clean abandoned and derelict vessels, which can harm marine habitats and leak pollutants into the surrounding environment. Senator Sanders continues to be an essential voice in our fight against climate change, and I appreciate his efforts to bring us together today to uplift this critical issue.”
The day culminated in a powerful “Call for Climate Change Action,” delivering a unified message about the need for immediate and sustained efforts to address the climate crisis.
Photo by Brian Cole of Olschool Productions
