Here’s how you spark change. Young people walked out of school and work Friday to take part in a crusade against worldwide climate change. They are trying to get lawmakers to listen to them and bring attention to something that will affect generations to come. CBS writes:
The global climate strikes, which are taking place in more than 150 countries, were scheduled ahead of the opening of the United Nations General Assembly and the Climate Action Summit on September 23.
The preliminary numbers say there are at least 3 million people in today’s #ClimateStrike And that is before counting North and South America!! To be updated… #FridaysForFuture pic.twitter.com/9C8SE5kSxZ
— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) September 20, 2019
Rarely has the world ever seen such a broad and wide-reaching youth-led movement. NBC reports that in Australia, 300,000 workers and students swarmed the streets of Sydney, Melbourne, and other major cities “in the biggest protest the country has seen in years.” Hundreds of demonstrators staged a “die-in” outside the Ministry of Natural Resources in Bangkok, Thailand. 1.1 million students in New York City’s public schools were excused from classes to attend the rallies in Foley Square, which will be led by activist Greta Thunberg herself.
“Many people, of course, can’t do without a day’s pay or work for bosses who would fire them if they missed work. So, it really matters that those of us with the freedom to rally do so.” @billmckibben, on today’s #ClimateStrike. https://t.co/wpRo7iv1AH
— Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith) September 20, 2019
According to The Washington Post, thousands of protesters in London filed past 10 Downing Street and gathered in front of the Houses of Parliament, blocking traffic. They chanted “save our planet” and carried signs that read “Winter is NOT coming” and “I’m taking time out of my lessons to teach you.” Crowds have also thronged the streets of other European capitals such as Berlin, Germany and Warsaw, Poland.
One hundred thousand here in London, thousands more around our country and millions across the world.
This movement will not be silenced. I’m here with a message: Labour will meet your demands for a Green Industrial Revolution and real change.#ClimateStrike pic.twitter.com/JBLiLjB6t3 — Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) September 20, 2019
Members of the corporate business world are also joining in the crusade. According to the Post, “numerous companies, including Ben & Jerry’s, Patagonia and the cosmetic company Lush, closed their doors in solidarity with the youth and encouraged employees to attend the Friday’s strike.” In addition, numerous websites have planned to go dark in solidarity
It is also expected that over 1,600 Amazon employees will walk off their jobs today and march against the climate crisis. Wired magazine says that this marks the first strike at Amazon’s Seattle Headquarters in the firm’s 25-year history.
“Save our Earth, “Climate change is not a lie, please don’t let our planet die” #ClimateStrike CityHall #Philadelphia @KYWNewsradio pic.twitter.com/mMU8Rv30MR
— Hadas Kuznits (@hadaskuznits) September 20, 2019
UN Secretary Antonio Guterres has urged that countries take real action by bringing firm promises such as pledging to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. From The New York Times:
At a time of fraying trust in authority figures, children — who by definition have no authority over anything — are increasingly driving the debate over how to avert the most catastrophic effects of climate change. Using the internet, they are organizing across continents like no generation before them. And though their outsize demands for an end to fossil fuels mirror those of older environmentalists, their movement has captured the public imagination far more effectively.
“Adults are, like, ‘respect your elders.’ And we’re, like, ‘respect our futures,’” said Jemima Grimmer, 13, from Sydney. “You know, it’s a two-way street, respect, and I’m angry that I have to be here.” https://twitter.com/BillNye/status/1175114686414516224
