"We have a very entrenched system that's going to really require us to work together for a vision of people, peace, and the planet," the Green Party's Jill Stein said in an interview. "We are here for the long haul." Protesters were bussed in from 30 states and Canadian provinces. Marchers held aloft banners proclaiming "Don't be fossil fools" and "It's time to cut carbon" during the rally.

"Today was one of the best days of my life, because I saw the movement come together finally, big and diverse and gorgeous," 350.org President Bill McKibben tweeted after speaking at the rally. Wednesday prior to the rally, 48 prominent climate activists including actress Darryl Hannah, Bill McKibben, civil rights leader Julian Bond and environmental lawyer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. were arrested after they chained themselves to the section of the fence surrounding the White House.