Climate Justice Earth Day Protests Surge as Americans Push Back Against Trump
As Earth Day approaches, environmental and climate justice activists are intensifying their efforts to mobilize across the United States in response to what many see as the Trump administration’s harmful environmental agenda. With numerous marches, protests, and rallies planned, Americans are standing up to what they describe as an attack on the planet by the administration’s policies that favor big corporations and polluting industries.
Protesters are aiming to raise awareness about the Trump administration’s rapid rollbacks of critical environmental protections. These protests reflect widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s approach to climate change, pollution, and conservation. This year’s Earth Day is shaping up to be one of the most impactful yet, as groups from across the nation unite for collective action.
Climate and Democracy Movement
Activists and organizations now demand three main actions: defend democracy, end corporate handouts, and hold polluters accountable. Americans across the country organize clean-ups and lead rallies to demand change and fight harmful climate policies.
In New York, thousands gathered in Lower Manhattan to call for urgent climate action and address immigration concerns. Many climate and migrant justice groups endorsed the rally and supported removing ICE from New York City. They also urged the state to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels for a healthier environment.
Renata Pumarol of the Climate Organizing Hub said, “We all face threats, especially under Trump’s fossil-fuel-driven agenda.”
In Milwaukee, protesters marched against proposed cuts to healthcare, education, and climate-related funding.
Indivisible group organizers warned these cuts would harm working-class families and worsen the environmental crisis. A protest leader said, “Trump’s policies destroy environmental protections and hurt vulnerable communities.”
They added, “We urgently need real solutions for the growing climate crisis.”
Mobilizing Communities Across the Country
The protests have spread beyond large cities. Smaller communities are becoming active hubs for climate action.
In Michigan, organizers are rallying voters ahead of the May municipal elections, focusing on regions with environmental concerns. In Duluth, Minnesota, students are installing solar panels in schools, promoting sustainable energy as part of a broader effort. Tribal groups in the area hold blessing ceremonies for Mother Earth, highlighting Indigenous knowledge’s vital role in climate justice.
Activists see Earth Day as a pivotal moment to shift the climate action narrative. For many, this year’s protests aim to build a sustainable future, beyond just opposing Trump’s policies. The dismantling of key environmental agencies, like the EPA and National Weather Service, has raised widespread concern. Critics argue the Trump administration favors corporate interests over protecting the planet’s well-being.
In response, major environmental groups, like the Sunrise Movement and Green New Deal Network, call for systemic change. Their message is clear: prioritize people and planet health over corporate profits. Kaniela Ing, director of the Green New Deal Network, said, “We must rise up and push for policies that protect all, not just the wealthy elite.”
More…
- https://hyperallergic.com/1005520/climate-protesters-target-nyc-iconic-charging-bull-in-earth-day-protest/
- https://truthout.org/articles/earth-day-sees-mobilized-resistance-to-trumps-planet-destroying-policies/
- https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/22/wall-streets-iconic-charging-bull-statue-vandalized-by-climate-activists.html