The march began around 11:30 a.m., at New York City's Columbus Circle just off Central Park. At times, it stretched more than 4 miles as marchers carried banners, signs and entire contraptions depicting everything from Mother Earth herself to the dinosaurs that now make up fossil fuels.

According to People's Climate March organizers, "From Manhattan to Melbourne, more than half a million people took to the streets in a unified global move to demand ambitious commitments from world leaders in tackling the climate crisis. By end of day estimates, the flagship march in New York City drew approximately 400,000 people–more than quadrupling the pre-march estimates of 100,000–just two days before world leaders converge here for an emergency UN Climate Summit.". 

“We are at the forefront of innovative community-led solutions that ensure a just transition off fossil fuels, and that support an economy good for both people and the planet.” said Cindy Wiesner, Co-Director of The Climate Justice Alliance.

Sandra Steingraber of New Yorkers Against Fracking commented "Natural gas is being dressed up as the white meat of fossil fuel. Investing in gas is de-investing in renewable energy." She added that "Methane is the most important gas to regulate right now because it is so powerful at trapping heat in our atmosphere."

The rally comes at an opportune time as 120 world leaders, including President Barack Obama, are expected to convene Tuesday (Sep 23) at the United Nations Climate Summit in New York to discuss ways to tackle the growing threat of carbon pollution. The United Nations Secretary-General has invited leaders from Government, business, finance and civil society to come and make bold commitments to action in areas that are critical for keeping global temperature increases to less than two degrees Celsius.

Below is the Climate Summit 2014 paper on the Energy action area.

Learn more at:

• People's Climate March - http://peoplesclimate.org
• United Nations Climate Summit 2014 - http://www.un.org/climatechange/summit/
• Hundreds Of Thousands Turn Out For People's Climate March In New York City - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/21/peoples-climate-march_n_5857902.html
• Taking a Call for Climate Change to the Streets - http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/22/nyregion/new-york-city-climate-change-march.html
• Ascendant Group profits drop 35.2 percent - http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20140919/BUSINESS/140919613