Join Senator Sanders on Earth Day as He Takes The Tuvalu Challenge

In commemoration of Earth Day, Senator James Sanders Jr. will speak about the significance of climate change while standing knee-deep in the ocean off of the Rockaway Peninsula, wearing a suit and standing behind a podium. It will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 22, 2022 to illustrate the impact of climate change on Southeast Queens by rising sea levels if climate change is not halted.
 
Senator Sanders was inspired by a similar demonstration, which was conducted by the Honorable Simon Kofe, Foreign Minister Ministry of Justice, Communication, and Foreign Affairs for the Tuvalu Government in Funafuti, Tuvalu on November 5, 2021, to warn the world about the dangers of climate change if not stopped.
  
“Continuous flooding during high tide and disastrous weather have been plaguing the Rockaway community for years,” Senator Sanders said. “As someone who represents most of the Rockaways and as a life-long resident here, it is important for me to ensure that everyone understands our changing environment and is prepared for natural disasters and emergencies."

Senator Sanders’ goal is to film his ocean demonstration and to encourage other elected officials and leaders throughout the United States and the world to replicate what he calls the “Tuvalu Challenge,” which Minister Kofe initiated last year. 

The "Tuvalu Challenge" will be followed by a tree planting celebration beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Goldie Maple Academy, located at 3-65 Beach 56th Street, Far Rockaway.

Senator  Sanders received a 100% perfect score for his record of voting in favor of positive environmental issues based on a scorecard from the New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV), a nonpartisan advocacy group.

The annual scorecard, which was released on September 21, 2021, examines how lawmakers in the Senate and Assembly voted on various pieces of legislation from promoting electric vehicles to lead-free drinking water in an effort to hold representatives accountable. A 100% score reflects an ideal environmental record over the past year, according to the NYLCV.