Students, teachers, workers, youth, and the elderly alike are all converging in different places under a shared cause: climate change. Also known as the “Global Week for Future,” the September 2019 climate strikes are a series of international strikes, protests, and movements that demand effective, productive, and proactive measures to address climate change. The week from 20 to 27 September is to be the week for a worldwide climate strike.
The September 20 protests were likely the largest climate strikes in world history. Reports state that over 4 million people participated in strikes worldwide, with an estimated 250,000 from New York alone. About 2,500 events were organized and carried out across a span of 163 different countries. Some 40 or so people at Monmouth College also showed up in support of the climate strike, calling for “Climate justice—now!” Students walked into schools wearing t-shirts, some also walked out of schools wearing t-shirts, workers left their workplaces, holding signs and posters, carrying pets, bringing children: people from all walks of life were involved.
Another strike is to be held on September 27. This will come four days after the United Nations Climate Action Summit on the 23rd. The events are largely inspired by 16-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. She is a school striker who began demanding more action from her government on climate change.
Greta spoke at the Summit Monday, saying “My message is that we will be watching you. This is all wrong…I shouldn’t be up here. I should be back in school on the other side of the ocean…” She chastised world leaders, “You have come to us young people for hope. How dare you. You have stolen my childhood with empty words. Yet I’m one of the lucky ones…”
The 16-year-old has received an overwhelming amount of support, as well as a lot of criticism, often being termed a “puppet” for “the establishment,” being used to pander to audiences. Regardless, her influence as a voice for addressing climate change is huge and increasing, the support behind this movement has only grown as a result. Perhaps this youthful energy is just the catalyst we need to direct attention toward protecting the planet we inhabit.
Darlon Riviere - Staff Writer