Hundreds of environmentalists gathered in New York City's Stuyvesant Square Park and a nearby Quaker meeting house on Sunday to rally in support of solar power and other forms of renewable energy. The event, billed as Sun Day, was part of a national day of action founded by veteran activist Bill McKibben and Denis Hayes, coordinator of the first Earth Day.
'It's so sad to watch the sun going to waste,' McKibben said at a press conference, standing beside environmentalists and their children. 'Every single day, energy from heaven going to waste while we drill down to hell for another dose of the stuff that is wrecking this planet.' New York's lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado, added: 'We have the ability here to protect our children, to protect our future.'
The event featured displays of solar panels, lessons on renewable technology, and panel discussions, including one with McKibben and New York City comptroller Brad Lander. Across the US, activists held more than 500 other actions: in Virginia, volunteers installed solar panels on affordable homes; in North Carolina, families gathered at a solar-powered farm; and in Michigan, a car show showcased electric vehicles alongside a beach clean-up.
Renewable energy sources have seen unprecedented growth, accounting for over 90% of global energy expansion last year. In March, the US generated less than half its energy from fossil fuels for the first time. However, the day of action came amid attacks on climate protections by the Trump administration, which has rolled back solar grants and halted wind projects. Vermont senator Peter Welch said: 'Clean energy is really good for affordability. It lowers utility bills and creates good jobs. What Trump is doing is wrecking that economic potential.'
Despite the setbacks, McKibben expressed optimism, noting that much of the world continues to build renewable power because it is the cheapest form of energy. The Sun Day rally preceded Climate Week in New York and followed a 'Make Billionaires Pay' march that drew 25,000 people. Organiser Renata Pumarol said: 'Billionaires caused the climate chaos... but they forgot one thing: there are more of us than there are of them.' Sun Day participants focused on solutions, praising Utah's legalisation of balcony solar panels and a forthcoming New York bill to help renters access solar.
