POUGHKEEPSIE – Mid-Hudson environmental organizations teamed up Saturday, literally in the middle of the Hudson River. They met at the center of Walkway Over the Hudson, a converted railroad trestle which now serves as a linear park. Their message was “Get Moving, Hudson Valley!”

Citing climate change, the groups urged people to lead a more sustainable lifestyle – for health, for economic savings, and for the environment. The event was hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE), and co-sponsored by Sustainable Hudson Valley, Catskill Mountainkeeper, Dutchess and Ulster County Environmental Management Councils, Clearwater, and others.

CCE’s Allison Chatrchyan said her group is now tackling issues such as childhood obesity and climate change.

“It’s already two degrees warmer than it was in the 1970s, and it’s four degrees warmer in the winter,” she said. “We’re also seeing more precipitation, happening in these big rainfall events. In between, we’re seeing periods of drought, and these trends are going to continue.”

The 10 percent challenge calls on citizens to reduce their energy consumption to 90 percent, as a good faith gesture towards future generations affected by today’s unsustainable model. Additional strategies include eating healthy, organic, locally produced food, and enjoying outdoor exercise.

“Clearwater would like to urge Governor Cuomo and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation not to pit hydrofracking against closing Indian Point," said Environmental Action Director Manna Jo Greene. “Indian Point is not safe – it is not a solution to climate change, but neither is hydrofracking,” she declared.

“The solution,” Greene suggested, “is the incredible economic opportunity that rests in transitioning rapidly. The alternative is the green energy economy,” she said. “Prepare and adapt, specifically with environmental justice communities – people of low income with less mobility to flee disaster, if necessary.”

Similar messages were announced simultaneously around the world, to incite progress with innovations in alternative transportation, the green economy, energy conservation and climate change issues.

Youth, adults, families and community groups are encouraged to adopt healthier, greener lifestyles, and more sophisticated policies. “Hudson Valley residents can get the region moving towards a more sustainable long-term path,” said organizers.