Youth Tour Pushing For Green New Deal's Passage Launches In Dorchester

A group of young people is trying to rally support for the congressional Green New Deal resolution to combat climate change — and they launched a national tour Thursday night in Dorchester.

They call themselves the Sunrise Movement, and say their goal is to make climate change a national priority. A crowd filled The Strand Theatre in Upham's Corner to capacity.

Speakers included Sen. Ed Markey, Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu and U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, who called climate change an "existential threat" and challenged those who describe the Green New Deal as radical, reckless and dangerous.

"There's nothing radical about moral clarity and we are clear that the only dangerous and reckless thing is not to act at all," Pressley said.

The nationwide Green New Deal tour now heads west, with stops planned in eight cities. Organizers hope to build a national political movement and add more cities along the way.