Banners Suspended From “Snake Bridge” For Global Warming Day of Action

In honor of “Fossil Fools Day,” Tucson activists hung a banner condemning the proposed Downtown Links and I-10 Bypass highways from each side of the Snake Bridge at the intersection of Broadway Blvd. and Aviation Hwy. in the early hours of April 2. The banners were clearly visible for the duration of the morning commute, and were removed by city officials at 9:30 a.m.

Reading “No New Roads: Put the Brakes on Global Warming!”, the banners were situated just above the proposed starting point of Downtown Links in full view of commuter traffic. The action was meant to highlight the role of new roads in promoting runaway carbon dioxide emissions as part of an international day of protest focused on “climate criminals.”

“The Fossil Fools in government and industry are playing games with our future: the time for lip service and half-measures is over,” said Tucson resident Alex Larkin. “Direct action is necessary to stop those who watch the planet burn while counting the money they make from the fire.”

According to the most recent estimates by leading climate scientists, as reported in the Washington Post on March 10, dramatic greenhouse gas emissions must begin immediately, with total emissions reduced to nearly zero in less than 50 years to avoid catastrophic climatic upsets.

“With so little time to shift our way of life away from its dependence on fossil fuels, building new roads is not just foolish - it’s insane,” Larkin said.

The proposed Downtown Links highway would connect I-10 to Aviation Highway, punching through the downtown Warehouse Arts District. Area residents have condemned the planned road, saying it would destroy community spaces and historic buildings without providing any local benefit. In addition, the Pima County Democratic Party is analyzing the results ballot initiative securing funding for the project because of allegations of tampering.

The proposed I-10 Bypass would stretch 250 miles from the Willcox area to Buckeye, allowing freight trucks to avoid Phoenix and Tucson traffic. The road has met widespread local opposition on the grounds that it would destroy sensitive wildlife habitat, degrade the character of rural communities and pave the way for sprawl in relatively undisturbed areas. In addition, the groups San Pedro Wild and Root Force have criticized the road for furthering Arizona’s dependence on imports at a time when oil and water are running out and a shift to local economies is desperately needed.

On March 21, the State Transportation Board unanimously voted to proceed with plans for the I-10 bypass, although it removed two of the most controversial routes from consideration. Bypass opponents have claimed a partial victory and vowed to keep organizing against the road until the entire plan is abandoned. Likewise, downtown residents have stated their intention to resist Downtown Links and see the project canceled.

The Fossil Fools Day of Action was called for by the international Rising Tide network (active in the US, UK and Australia) and was joined by Rainforest Action Network, Global Exchange and students active in the Energy Action Coalition, the Canadian Youth Climate Coalition and the Australian Student Environment Network. Globally, more than 150 actions were carried out on April 1. For reports on these actions, visit www.fossilfoolsday.org.

See www.rootforce.org.