There have been some high-profile climate change protests recently at sporting events. The impact of that type of protest can be viewed through a national and local lens.
This past Sunday the 18th green in a nationally televised golf tournament became the scene of a climate change protest. A number of people interrupted play, dropping a powder-like substance on the grass. Kentucky Conservation Committee Director Lane Boldman said people are feeling climate change, but for many, the actions are not moving fast enough.
“I have no problem with certain direct actions to really shake people up and get them to think about the issue more urgently,” said Boldman.
With that said, Boldman said she doesn’t believe in destructive protests, adding there are effective peaceful protests.
Public protests over issues like climate change can take on a new look when more of the public gets involved. Boldman said that was seen years ago when Appalachian residents affected by mountaintop removal mining joined in with protesters. Boldman said Kentucky’s historical connection with coal does change the dynamics some.
“Yes Kentucky can be a more complex area, but I suspect we’ll probably get a lot more participation from people who have had the real impacts of the flooding and the tornadoes as this movement evolves,” said Boldman.
Boldman said she experienced that with a 2014 climate march in New York City following the impacts of Hurricane Sandy on New Jersey in 2012.
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