Last Friday, September 20, one of the biggest climate strikes occured worldwide. Millions gathered together at various locations, each protesting for the same reason-to spread awareness and fight against climate change.

Over the years, people have all heard about global warming and the devastating effects it has on us. From rising global temperatures to the destruction of our beloved rain forests, more needs to be done than just recycling and using reusable bottles. Word needs to be spread about this issue. 

This is where the idea of climate strikes originated. In August 2018, a 16-year old Swedish girl named Greta Thunburg left school to protest at the Swedish parliament, demanding them to take action against climate change. This act of protest quickly caught the media’s attention, but she didn’t stop there. After school shootings in February 2018, she got inspiration to make school strikes, where kids leave school to protest about the government’s lack of action against climate change. An organization called Fridays for Future also holds climate strikes every Friday, where anyone can participate. 

This is a great way for members of the community to work together to support a great cause, and all you have to do is meet at a location and make a poster with catchy sayings. Some of these sayings can range from “Don’t be a fossil fool” to “Plastic Straws are Such a Flaw”. Tiana Salisbury (9) agrees, and says “I think protesting is a good idea because it will help bring awareness to climate change. This way, it will be easier to change how people treat the environment so that we can reduce global warming and climate change.” However, there are some concerns with students getting unexcused absences if they were to protest during school. To resolve this issue, Fridays for Futures provides excuse notes, signed exclusively by climate scientist Dr. Heather Price, stating how what they are doing is benefiting the world.

The strikes took place in countries around the world, including Antarctica. There was a phenomenal number of people that joined, ranging from thousands to even millions. Thunberg led the strike in New York City, explaining how it will take more than hope to reverse the effects of climate change. Unfortunately for some, the excuse wasn’t successful in all New York schools, as some felt that it was too political for students to be involved in. Nonetheless, it was still considered the largest climate strike in history.

Coincidentally on this day, there also happened to be an Area 51 raid, taking interest away away from this event. In fact, when asked, many students didn’t even know there was a climate strike. According to Fiona Salisbury (9), “I was aware of the strike on Friday but only because you told me. If you hadn’t told me, I wouldn’t have known.” 

For people who didn’t know about last Friday’s Climate Strike or were unable to participate, there is still a chance to join. Next Friday, there will be another opportunity, and lots of locations will be available for you to join the action. You can find out more information about the strike locations at Fridaysforfutures.org. As they say, be the change you want to see in the world!