WASHINGTON — A 16-year-old climate activist on Friday led youths in 150 countries out of their school classrooms and into the streets to protest and bring more awareness to the issue of climate change around the world and in the nation’s capital.
Greta Thunberg first began her journey of striking school to demand more aggressive action from her Swedish government about the rising environmental injustice.
American citizens became more conscious of the topic when America became the only nation to decline being a part of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. The protest is expected to be the largest mass mobilization in human history on the matter.
In Washington D.C., the youth, also being led by some adults, walked from the White House to Capitol Hill. The walk that began at 11 a.m. ran until 2 p.m.
The youth climate reform organizations leading Friday's demonstration are Fridays for Future, D.C. Youth Climate Strike, Our Children’s Trust, National Children’s Campaign, among others.
However, it wasn't the only protest regarding climate change that Washingtonians can expect to see this upcoming week.
Protesters on Monday planned a blockade during morning rush hour with the intent to bring more awareness to the global issue and to help lawmakers and the 45th administration understand its relevance and importance.
According to the demands on the climate strike website, "We need to act right now to stop burning fossil fuels and ensure a rapid energy revolution with equity, reparations and climate justice at its heart."
This story will be updated with more information throughout the day.
