The global strikes were timed in advance of the U.N Climate Summit, which will begin Monday in New York. The demonstrations are meant to encourage governments and business to pledge to abandon fossil fuels in order to curb greenhouse gas emissions. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told Reuters on Wednesday, “We are losing the fight against climate change.”
The strikes were inspired by the Friday for Futures protests, a weekly walk-out of school-aged youth initiated by Swedish activist Greta Thurnberg.
Walk-outs have already taken place in Australia, India, and across European and African capitals. Across the United States, protests, marches and speeches are scheduled in major cities. In New York City, the local Department of Education has given its 1.1 million school children permission to participate in the walk-out and join the scheduled activities starting at noon.
Where to watch the demonstrations
Live coverage of the New York strike, including a speech from Greta Thurnberg, can be watched on the Youtube channel Ruptly and live updates of climate strikes across the country can be found on CNN’s website. You can also watch live coverage on CBS New York Local News found here.
In New York, demonstrators will converge on Foley Square and begin walking to Battery Park. From 3 to 5 p.m. ET there will be a rally in Battery Park. In Chicago, youth walk-outs begin at 10 a.m. CT at seven locations across the city. San Francisco will host a demonstration downtown starting 10 a.m. PT.
For information about the protests and how to join where you live, click here. Over 800 events are schedule to take place across the United States.
