WASHINGTON — Around 80 protesters gathered to criticize the World Bank and International Monetary Fund for climate and development policies on Friday. Representatives from various climate action groups met at Edward Murrow Park to hear from global advocacy leaders before marching to the White House to demand federal action.
Speakers highlighted the burden of debt on the global south, the overwhelming effect of climate change on developing nations and support for the Palestinian people. They urged world leaders to cancel debt in developing nations, fund the World Bank’s International Development Association and cut reliance on oil and gas.
“They need to pay us back,” said Shereen Talaat from MENA Fem Movement For Economic, Development, and Ecological Justice, before the march. “Years and years of extracting our resources in the Global South. They need to pay us back. They need to pay the bill of the climate crisis.”
The protest came at the end of the IMF and World Bank’s annual meetings, which have historically drawn protests.
The rally was attended by members of advocacy groups, including The Climate Reality Project. (Hannah Webster/MNS)
Attendees donned shirts and pins with phrases like “#Cancel The Debt,” “Get your a$$ out of oil and gas,” and “Keep 1.5℃ alive.” (Hannah Webster/MNS)
A speaker representing Stop Financing Factory Farming led the crowd in a chant of “World Bank, put your money where your mouth is.” (Hannah Webster/MNS)
After about an hour of speakers, the group began their march to the White House. (Hannah Webster/MNS)
As they walked, the protesters led cheers, including “World Bank, no thanks” and “What do we want? Climate justice.” (Hannah Webster/MNS)
Protesters marched for about 25 minutes, escorted by DC police. (Hannah Webster/MNS)
The march ended on the Ellipse, south of the White House. (Hannah Webster/MNS)
At the Ellipse, speakers commended President Joe Biden’s climate initiatives, while urging further action. (Hannah Webster/MNS)
