Millions of people, young and old, hit the streets across the world Friday in a youth-led protest designed to both demonstrate their frustrations with the climate crisis and invoke their political power on our world leaders. Outlets like CNN and the Los Angeles Times predict that Friday’s demonstrations, spanning over 156 countries, will be the largest single-day environmental demonstration in the history of our planet. Every single protester, from Pakistan to the United States, from South Africa to Norway, is demanding real changes to how we care for our planet. Sixteen-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg has literally traveled across the ocean from her native Sweden in order to bring attention to the global crisis in the United States.
Sept. 20 began earlier in some places than others, but social media’s #ClimateStrike trending charts have not stopped spiking since Friday morning. Australia started things off, with hundreds of thousands of Aussies hitting the streets.
Australia did indeed set the standard. Even early on, the numbers were impressive.
Here in the U.S., the East Coast was ready.
New York City has a comprehensive public transportation system—arguably one of the most democratic institutions in the world—making the city’s protests accessible to young people.
Of course, it wasn’t just New York.
Every city is the city of earthbound love today.
Across the country, Portland started early.
Sen. Bernie Sanders spoke to demonstrators in North Carolina.
Sen. Kamala Harris is listening.
These kids definitely know what they’re fighting against.
Ohioans know.
Chicagoans know, too.
Miami’s youth also joined the protest.
Houston, Texas, is here for the planet.
It’s not just the nation’s biggest cities, either.
Let’s check in on Europe.
The protesters are willing to shut things down in order to be heard.
This footage from Ireland is breathtaking.
Let’s check in on Africa!
Go Mexico!
Indonesia is all in.
Some of the signs are just so moving, like this one that voices support from those unable to march.
Represent!
Facepainting is a sustainable way to send potent messages.
Lisa Simpson made an appearance at the protest in Berlin!
Folks in Brussels had strong words for lawmakers.
Children in Hyderabad, India, were as solemn as the state of the world.
These New Yorkers are literally cramming the streets.
These kids today and their avocado toast political engagement!
If anyone might live forever, it’s the Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards.
The little ones were out in Vermont.
California, where over 100 protests are planned, is just beginning its #ClimateStrike demonstrations.
There will more to come, so please feel free to share your stories and images in the comments below. It’s humanity’s day as we harmonize our voices … in hopes of bringing more harmony to the planet.