“It’s to raise awareness,” he said. “Our broad goal is to get some movement on the climate crisis.”

He noted that the United States is quickly falling behind other nations in the effort to reduce carbon footprints and decrease pollution.

“Forty years ago, when the first Earth Day occurred, we were the leader (in environmental protection),” Hernandez said. “Now, today we’re really the lagger. It’s pretty embarrassing.

“It’s not going to break the bank, the technology exists,” he said. “It’s super frustrating.”

He said he was pleased with the amount of people who were willing to brave Saturday’s cold, wet weather to voice their opinions, sign petitions and spread the news.

Stephenie Ambrose Tubbs and Carla Potter didn’t let the rain stop them from attending the rally and holding signs supporting clean energy.

“I’m a member of MEIC, and I support their actions,” Tubbs said. “I knew actions are happening all over the state.”

She said she is fed up with people ignoring research from scientists that suggests a rapid deterioration of the Earth’s climate could be imminent.