In some 2,000 demonstrations in 123 countries, more than 1 million students marched through the streets from the South Pacific to the edge of the Arctic Circle. Their aim: to push world leaders to act on climate change.
‘If you don’t act like adults, we will’
Thousands of students walked out of class in Sydney, kicking off global protests on Friday. They got the attention they wanted. Some Australian politicians hit back with criticism. “For action on issues that they think is important, they should do that after school or on weekends,” said Education Minister Dan Tehan.
“The oceans are rising and so are we,” read one placard in Sydney, Australia. Organizers estimate 2,052 demonstrations were planned in 123 countries across all continents, including Antarctica.
Sixteen-year-old Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, who kicked off the movement last year, lay down a simple challenge: “What will you do on March 15, 2019?”