TL/DR –
So, NYC’s youth just schooled everyone by walking out and demanding an end to fossil fuels — because if the planet’s gonna burn, it won’t be on their watch. They marched across the Brooklyn Bridge like eco-warriors, reminding leaders at Climate Week that greenwashing won’t cut it — equity and environmental justice are the real glow-up goals.
Hundreds of young people and allies walked out of school and work on Friday to demand an end to fossil fuel production and tackle the climate crisis.
The strike was led by the local chapter of Fridays for Future, aligning with a global call to action. It coincides with NYC Climate Week, organized by Climate Group for the United Nations General Assembly session.
“We protest because the world hasn’t listened,” said 17-year-old activist Lorelai Crean. “Scientists, activists, and those affected have been warning about the climate crisis. Today we walked out of over 25 schools to amplify that alarm.”
Strike organizers want business leaders, lawmakers, and financial institutions to stop greenwashing and focus on phasing out oil, gas, and coal production. “We need to focus on equity, justice, and ending fossil fuels,” said 16-year-old Lena Goings, another Fridays for Future organizer.
Fridays for Future targets three main pillars of the fossil fuel industry: financial sector funding, polluting companies, and lawmakers. One demand is for New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign the Climate Change Superfund Act, requiring major polluters to fund climate adaptation infrastructure.
Proponents argue Hochul should sign quickly, saying NY taxpayers face rising costs due to extreme weather. The Business Council of New York urged Hochul to veto, citing business impact concerns.
Hochul’s office has not confirmed her decision but stated she will review the legislation.
The New York strikers were joined by activists from countries like Bangladesh, Ecuador, and Uganda. They started in Manhattan’s Foley Square, marched across the Brooklyn Bridge to Borough Hall, where speeches highlighted personal experiences and climate crisis challenges.
“In my country, climate activism is not a choice, it’s a matter of survival.”
— Hilda Flavia Nakabuye, Fridays for Future Uganda
Speakers included Louisiana activist Roishetta Ozane and her 12-year-old daughter Kamea, who discussed living in a polluted community.
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org
