Code Pink protester interrupts Climate Week event

The interruption

A Code Pink organizer interrupted a Nature Conservancy event during NYC Climate Week on Thursday, arguing that climate discussions should address pollution and carbon emissions associated with the U.S. military.

The organizer, identified by Code Pink only as Aaron, leads the group’s “War Is Not Green” campaign. During the disruption, he accused military activity of damaging ecosystems and harming fish and other wildlife.

Code Pink said The Nature Conservancy has failed to address what the group describes as the military’s large carbon footprint and environmental damage from military bases, wars and occupations. The protest focused on the conservation organization’s public mission of protecting land and water.

Code Pink’s demands

Code Pink called on The Nature Conservancy and other environmental organizations to publicly identify the U.S. military as a major institutional polluter. The group also urged environmental organizations to reject partnerships or funding connected to military contractors and related interests.

Its other demands included using environmental groups’ public platforms to advocate for reductions in Pentagon spending and an end to wars that damage ecosystems. Code Pink argued that military operations must be included in broader climate policy discussions.

The disruption did not concern a candidate, campaign or election. It centered on whether environmental organizations should make military emissions and pollution a more prominent part of their climate advocacy.

Fox News reported that it contacted The Nature Conservancy for comment. The group’s account of the protest and its demands was also presented through video credited to Code Pink via Storyful.