A couple of days ago, I posted a blog stating that the Green New Deal needed massive social movement to pressure, and even, break political and corporate institutions preventing real action on climate change….. AND…. HERE IT IS!
Today, in over 120 countries, youth have caused a thunder on the streets with the Climate Strike.
And the fossil fuel sector is feeling it. Yesterday, in Houston at an annual gathering of energy analysts, industry executives and other predatory capitalists, Glenn Kellow, the CEO of Peabody Coal, made a remarkable statement: “No doubt that environmental activism plays a part. Certain funds, particularly in Europe and particularly in the U.S. taking certain views means that the capital that has been available in the past may not be there in the future.” Kellow said there are 300 coal power plants under construction in Asia alone, but he acknowledged that new growth may be undermined by environmental campaigners who have raised the costs for coal production.
But while industry plots and schemes their backlash, here’s some images from today’s #Climate Strike:
London, England
"Police tried to close the entrance to The Mall leading to Buckingham Palace but they just keep on coming… #ExtinctionRebellion #climatestrike #schoolstrike4climate", @LdnRebellion.#YouthStrike4Climate #FridaysForFuture @Strike4Youth @UKSCN1 @ukyccpic.twitter.com/kmfmj5YSdR
— Extinction Rebellion ?? (@ExtinctionR) March 15, 2019
Minneapolis, MN
Sign at the Minnesota State Capitol: "I want you to panic" –@GretaThunberg #climatestrike #FridaysForFuture pic.twitter.com/LE6ePabqXS
— Eric Holthaus (@EricHolthaus) March 15, 2019
Boston, MA
Hundreds of young people striking outside the MA State House right now! The energy here is amazing and inspiring! ? (video better with volume on) #ClimateStrike pic.twitter.com/xXWZb8zPzh
— Mass Sierra Club (@MassSierraClub) March 15, 2019
Berlin, Germany
Incredible – at least 25,000 joined today's #FridaysforFuture #ClimateStrike in #Berlin!! @GretaThunberg has unleashed a force to be reckoned with. Young people around the world demand a future without climate chaos. Adults, it's well and truly time to act! #schoolstrike4climate pic.twitter.com/izoRJ85UzJ
— Fossil Free Deutschland (@FossilFreeDe) March 15, 2019
Brussels, Belgium
LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THE MARCH IN BRUSSELS!!! Young people are rising in 2052 places in 123 countries on every continents.
There is no time to waste. We must #ActOnClimate. #climatestrike #klimaatstaking #FridayForFutures #GreenNewDeal @GretaThunberg ? via @JohnHyphen pic.twitter.com/3CGLMDYE8v
— Mike Hudema (@MikeHudema) March 15, 2019
New York, NY
Just one group of the many, many groups of New York City students streaming towards City Hall for the #ClimateStrike rally. pic.twitter.com/ltErsMqyZT
— Jeff Coltin (@JCColtin) March 15, 2019
San Francisco, CA
Thousands of youths take over Market Street in San Francisco chanting, “No coal! No oil! Keep your carbon in the soil!” Youth #ClimateStrike pic.twitter.com/UN36lReGPP
— Antonia Juhasz (@AntoniaJuhasz) March 15, 2019
This is only the beginning. Let’s sustain and grow it.
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Scott Parkin is a climate organizer working with Rising Tide North America. You can follow him on Twitter at @sparki1969