Last week, millions of people took to the streets in support of a youth-led school walkout demanding greater action on global climate policy. From capital cities to small towns, an estimated four million citizens across 160 countries showed up in the name of climate justice. Friday’s events are being considered one of the greatest showings of climate activism the world has ever seen. And as global leaders gather in New York City for this week’s UN climate meetings, one thing is strikingly clear, the world’s young people are watching.
Naturally, as an organization committed to building a 100% clean energy future, many of our staff participated in the events. For folks whose days are spent in the trenches of climate and energy — whether it’s tech, policy, nonprofit or journalism — the day-to-day narrative can feel like a vacuum of narrowly focused doom and gloom. But when it comes in the form of an on-the-ground climate strike led in large part by global youth, the candor and passion of their message is energizing.
The Climate Strike is a moment to break down the silos of our technical spaces and reflect on all that the climate crisis puts at stake, from coastlines and biodiversity to public health and global food security.
Beyond that, the Climate Strike is a moment to break down the silos of our technical spaces and reflect on all that the climate crisis puts at stake, from coastlines and biodiversity to public health and global food security. It’s also an opportunity for us to show up and provide a group of people desperate for climate action with a small solution they can bring home with them — access to clean energy. It may not solve all their fears for the future in one day, but it’s a small step in the right direction.
For those who were inspired by the strike on Friday and are looking to continue their climate action, there are other ways to keep the momentum going. For one, every purchase is an opportunity to make a statement about who you are and what you stand for. Your clothes, vacations, work commute, plane tickets, even your groceries are everyday opportunities to put your money towards a better future.
At the end of the day, whether or not you participated in any Climate Strike activities, know that your Arcadia membership continues to make a meaningful difference in the fight against climate change. Because each monthly Arcadia statement in your inbox represents your commitment to a future free of fossil fuels.
