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You've heard the facts—the polar ice caps are melting, wildfires are becoming more frequent and harder to suppress, more and more species are becoming endangered or extinct—but what can you do about it? Well, today, September 20, 2019, is the official date for the Global Climate Strikes, a series of events around the world that strive to raise awareness for the crisis and demand government officials to take notice. 

The initiative was sparked by Greta Thunberg, a now 16-year-old from Sweden, who has been a worldwide leader in educating the masses about climate change. She created #FridaysforFuture hoping that she could inspire her own generation to set aside one day of the week to protest local and federal governments about climate change. 

Even some companies, like ice cream favorite Ben & Jerry's, are joining the cause in a big way. “We’ll be shutting down our corporate headquarters, slowing our manufacturing lines, providing transportation for employees to local events, and closing our Scoop Shops during the strikes," the company posted on their website.

How can you get involved? Check here to locate a strike event near you, and if there isn't one, start your own! Also, check your local newspaper and community board calendars to see if anything is being planned in your area. Some administrators are allowing students to skip school for the protests—in fact, over 1.1 million New York City Public School students are excused from class if they're signed out by a parent for the strikes—so be sure to read up on what's going on in your area.

What are you planning to do on Global Climate Strike day?

by Jacqueline F. | 9/20/2019