What We Saw at the Climate March on Washington
All photos by Pete Voelker

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What We Saw at the Climate March on Washington

On Saturday, thousands of people gathered to protest the Trump administration's climate change policies. This is what that looked like.

I showed up at the US Capitol area around 11 AM. By then people were streaming in from all directions. Volunteers directed people to the appropriate spots, and banners were laid on the ground in preparation for the walk to the White House.

At the front of the march was a "human shield," a group of people with linked arms who helped clear the way for the different groups walking behind them.

The organizations involved were a diverse coalition that included Black Lives Matter…

…Native Americans…

…and lots of other left-wing groups.

When they got to the White House, protesters sat on the ground, their backs to the White House, then patted their chests in imitation of a heartbeat for 100 seconds.

After that, protesters flooded onto the National Mall. By then it was around 2:30 and the afternoon heat was taking its toll (it was 91 degrees, the record for this time of year in DC). Some people retreated into the shade…

…while others soaked up the sun.

The march was peaceful and almost celebratory at times, with lots of live music and arts installations.

Everyone, however, obviously felt this fight to be urgent—just days ago, the EPA removed pages about climate change from its website.

The Trump administration, in particular EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt seems dedicated to dismantling efforts to fight climate change, but Saturday's march shows how passionate the opposition is.