Starting Friday millions of people from more than 150 countries are walking out of schools, homes and workplaces to demand action to prevent climate change.
In Toronto the week of climate actions begins on Sept. 20 with the Youth Global Climate Strike and a mass teach-in near the Hart House on University of Toronto. The teach-in’s theme is “How to Talk to Adults About the Climate Change.”
The Fridays for Future movement began last year, inspired by 16-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. The first climate strike in Canada happened almost one year ago on October and since then young people have been striking regularly.
May be biggest climate protest in history
The week escalates to main Global Climate Strike on Sept. 27. Toronto’s strike will take place at Queen’s Park organized by Fridays for Future Toronto and Climate Strike Canada.
It’s estimated more than 150 countries will participate in the worldwide environmental protest.
“We understand the students want to be able to express themselves and have their voices heard.”
Ryan Bird, spokesperson of Toronto District School Board
The Toronto District School Board has also prepared for the coming main rally although the event itself is not organized by the TDSB. The board announced students will receive no academic penalty for attending the march, but parents must officially notify the school of the student’s absence.
“We understand the students want to be able to express themselves and have their voices heard,” TDSB spokesperson Ryan Bird said. “But we want them to do so in a respectful and safe way.”
However, all schools will remain open and classes will continue as normal, he said.
During the week there will be smaller events and actions by different groups and people, including music events, gatherings and picnics.
Fridays for Future?
About a year ago young climate activist Greta Thunberg sat in front of Swedish parliament every school day for weeks to demand action on the climate crisis. Later on October 2018 Thunberg continued striking every Friday until Swedish policies listened.
Soon the movements spread and other students and adults started to protest in front of their local parliaments and city halls all over the world.