PHOTOS AND TEXT BY CHRISTIAN MILES | “We have not taken to the streets, sacrificing our education, for the adults and politicians to take selfies with us and tell us that they really, really admire what we do. We are doing this to wake the leaders up. We are doing this to get them to act. We deserve a safe future and we demand a safe future. Is that really too much to ask?”—Greta Thunberg, to youthful Global Climate Strike participants on Fri., Sept. 20.

When one 16-year-old Swedish student began skipping school to protest inaction on the climate crisis just one year ago, no one could imagine the explosion of youth activism that would she would inspire. With her unapologetic, astute clarity, and undeniable intelligence, Thunberg has relentlessly stood her ground before world leaders, celebrity hosts, and media personalities. Friday’s Global Climate Strike was verification that her efforts have not gone unnoticed.

An estimated 250,000 people marched in solidarity, from Foley Square to Battery Park, demanding radical changes in our world—and industry leaders’ approach to the climate change crisis. Among the crowd were thousands of New York City public school students who were granted permission by the NYC Department of Education to take the day off (with parental permission), if they chose to participate in the strike. Teens were found scaling up small buildings, lampposts, railings, and even news trucks, to be seen and heard, as the bold electricity of youth empowerment energized the crowd.

Parents strolled, carrying their very young children, who shared in the excitement by calling out chants and proudly displaying signs. Although mainly teens, people of all ages, ethnicity, and backgrounds crammed Foley Square before bursting forth in a dense and impassioned procession to Battery Park. Notably present were members of indigenous tribes from Brazil and Indonesia, where rampant, deliberately set forest fires have been ravaging their lands and way of life, while they have simultaneously endangered the entire planet.

The day culminated at Battery Park, where a host of young activists, entertainers, and indigenous leaders expressed the need for immediate action. The highlight of the day, Greta Tunburg, was greeted as a rock star. As onlookers swarmed toward the stage see her, she addressed a roaring crowd, saying, “This Monday, world leaders are going to be gathered here in New York City for the United Nations Action Summit. The eyes of the world will be on them. They have a chance to prove that they too are united behind the science. They have a chance to take leadership to prove they actually hear us. Do you think they hear us?” “No!” the crowd shouted, to which Greta vowed, “We will make them hear us!”

For a video report by Christian Miles, click here. For a slideshow of Miles’ photos, accompanied by audio from the event, click here.

Chelsea Community News is made possible with the help of our awesome advertisers, and the support of our readers. If you like what you see, please consider taking part in our GoFundMe campaign (click here). To make a direct donation, give feedback about the site, or send a Letter to The Editor, email us at Scott@chelseacommunitynews.com.