Fifty years ago, the first Earth Week drew millions of participants across the U.S. to New York City. It was a moment that captured the hearts of many Americans who dedicated themselves in the fight for clean water, land, and air.
This year GASP is teaming up with southwestern Pennsylvania organizations to escalate the alarms sounded that first Earth Day to raise awareness of the dire urgency required to save our region and the planet. A regional coalition has joined forces to raise the decibel level and Declare a Climate Emergency. An epic, creative collaboration of dozens of local activists, organizations, musicians, artists, videographers and more hopes to raise the bar and call for a list of actions and demands.
While we cannot join with one another in close physical proximity due to COVID-19 concerns, the event promises to be nonetheless historic. The Pittsburgh Earth Week 2020 Teach-In marks a first in the history of SWPA. The goal is to amplify new and familiar local voices from a broad spectrum of Pittsburgh organizations and frontline communities.
Together we will raise up the concerns of many with an epic, creative collaboration of dozens of local activists, organizations, musicians, artists, videographers and more. There will be two events. Sunday, April 19, a Virtual Teach-In will feature speakers, artists, and musicians who will address the harm inflicted on our most marginalized and environmental justice communities. Topics to be addressed include housing, education, employment as well as environmental assaults from air and water pollution, the expanding petrochemical complex and climate change.
The second event will begin at midnight on April 22. A virtual 24-hour Youth Climate Strike broadcast on Fridays for Future Pgh Instagram will feature a team of Fridays for Future Pittsburgh students who will call for a Climate Emergency Declaration. Upper St. Clair High native Leandra Mira will lead the way.
“Neglect for science and the environment today means that our silent streets have become a second silent spring,” says Tracy Baton, project organizer of the Teach-In and an organizer of Pittsburgh Women’s March. “The current environmental assault is most brutal for those that are also most vulnerable.”
The Teach-In will convey the lessons on taking action at the personal, community and systems levels – from food security, urban housing and recycling to reducing our carbon (and petrochemical) footprint and voting this year to elect strong leadership in the primary and presidential elections.
Michelle King will lead the Teach-In as host and moderator. A self-proclaimed love activist and instigator of learning, King is a middle school teacher who has taught more than 22 years in SWPA schools.
“On the 50th anniversary of Earth Week, let us listen to what our people have to say,” says King. “We are encouraging everyone in communities across our city and region to take the time to listen as we raise up the voices of our people. Whose stories are still invisible? Who are on the front lines of justice? Who is not at the table of these critical conversations? How might we recognize the interconnectedness of environmental, social justice, and public health issues? As the emcee, my aspiration is to weave the threads of our stories of triumph and challenge together by listening to our people of all ages, histories, races, genders, orientations, (dis)abilities and lived experiences.”
More than 50 organizations have aligned to work together on these events. A complete list of partners can be viewed on the Earth Week Pittsburgh website.
Proceeds raised during the Teach-In and Youth Climate Strike will support the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. There are three ways to Watch Live Stream on April 19:
1. Watch the Teach-In Live on Earth Week PGH website (preferred) 2. Watch Live on YouTube 3. Watch Pittsburgh Earth Week 2020 on Facebook
Register for the latest updates via Eventbrite.