Break Free LA: a Wave of Global Protests

During the first two weeks in May, thousands of people all over the world participated in what organizers have called the largest ever global civil disobedience against fossil fuels, with dozens of activists arrested during protests that shut down coalmines, rail infrastructure and a port.

The rally and march in Los Angeles on May 14 was part of this global wave. More than a thousand activists from around the state joined in demanding that our political and business leaders Break Free from Fossil Fuels.

Watch highlights from the Los Angeles event here.

The action started at LA City Hall, where a number of speakers, including Bill McKibben and Tom Steyer (below) spoke to the crowd about the importance of stopping neighborhood drilling.The march then passed the Los Angeles County Administration building. Fossil Free California marchers, including local members of Fossil Free LA, called for divestment from fossil fuels.

The enormous methane leak at Porter Ranch, caused by the Southern California Gas Company, was another subject for protest, and the march ended at the company’s headquarters, where protestors called to “Shut it all down!”

On May 15, the day after the march, several activists and residents of Porter Ranch blocked the road there for three hours.