TEXAS -- On Friday, people around the world walked out of work and school to join climate strikers for what organizers are calling a Global Climate Strike.
- Want an end to environmental destruction
- Texas will meet at State Capitol, across the state
- Specific list of demands
They say they want to see an end to fossil fuels, corporate pollution, and environmental destruction.
Some Texans met at the State Capitol at noon for a demonstration in downtown Austin, and other strikes will be happening all over Texas. It’s expected to be the biggest day of climate demonstrations in the planet's history.
The worldwide movement stems from the 2018 strikes at the Swedish Parliament when 16-year-old Greta Thunberg, by herself, held up a sign demanding change, drawing global attention.
Students from an estimated 20-plus schools in Austin followed in her footsteps by walking out of class and met at the Capitol South Steps.
According to student organizers, they're demanding government action to tackle the climate crisis with legislation that protects the planet from pollution:
- The City of Austin MUST divert all monies from the fossil fuel industry by 2030.
- The Lower Colorado River Authority and Austin Energy MUST close Fayette Coal Plant.
- The State of Texas MUST declare a robust climate emergency plan.
- The City of Austin MUST close Austin Energy’s coal and natural gas plants by 2025 and provide workers with just transitions and training to jobs in renewable energy.
- The State of Texas MUST promise to have 100% renewable electricity generation by 2050 and give an update every 5 years.
Although this is namely a student-led event, organizers invited activists of all ages to come out and support. According to the Global Climate Strike website, demonstrations will happen from September 20-27 in over 150 countries.