Global Climate Rebellion Hits New York City (Photo Essay)

On Wednesday, activists in New York City gathered at City Hall as part of the international “climate rebellion” organized by the global movement known as Extinction Rebellion. More than 60 people were arrested while shutting down the entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge for over an hour. Two men climbed light posts and dropped banners that read “Declare Climate Emergency.” (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

Extinction Rebellion (XR) was formed in the United Kingdom last year and held its first civil disobedience protests in London in November of 2018. Extinction Rebellion NYC (XR-NYC) joined with 80 cities across 33 countries during International Rebellion Week to escalate protest and demand immediate government action on the climate emergency. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

An homage to David Buckel, an American LGBT rights lawyer and environmental activist who died on April 14, 2018, by self-immolation in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park as a protest against the use of fossil fuels. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

Extinction Rebellion’s demands are: 1. Tell the truth and declare a climate emergency. 2. Create a Citizen’s Assembly on climate justice. 3. Drop CO2 emissions to net zero by 2025. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

Prior to the direct action, activists gathered outside City Hall and covered the sidewalk with climate messages. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

Extinction Rebellion is resolutely a nonviolent movement. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

Approximately 30 Extinction Rebellion activists locked arms and blocked the ramp leading onto the Brooklyn Bridge. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

Another 30 or so activists staged a die-in in the roadway. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

Two activists with the Brooklyn Bridge tower in the background. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

“Climate inaction is mass murder,” reads a protester’s shirt. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

Two activists climbed separate street light poles so they could drop two banners across the roadway. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

The first banner drop. Both climbers came down voluntarily. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

One of the first die-in activists to be detained. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

Another protester detained. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

Over 60 Extinction Rebellion activists were arrested. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

Michael Nigro / Truthdig