On a not-quite summer, not-quite fall New York City day, the youth came out in droves to once again show that climate change is the most pressing issue on a global scale. Some missed classes. Some took a day off work. And many of them showed up early. By 11:30 a.m. – half an hour before the official start of the climate change action – there was already an impressive crowd chanting, “No more coal. No more oil. Keep the carbon in the soil.” The day was marked by phrases, whether it was chants – “I don’t know what I’ve been told, fossil fuels are getting old” and “the Earth is on fire; Bolsonaro is a liar” – or signs – “don’t burn my future” and “we are skipping our lessons to teach you one!” Attendees had much to say about how the environment is suffering because of capitalism and greed.

People of all ages attended, of course, but it was young people’s voices that were at the forefront. It’s young people who were acutely aware that nothing mattered more than protesting at Foley Square in Manhattan today, Friday, September 20, 2019. They joined noted climate activists Greta Thunberg, Xiuhtezcatl Martinez and Marisol Rivera at just one of the actions taking place across the country. New York’s participation in the Global Climate Strike – which takes place three days before the UN Climate Summit in New York – doubles as a Puerto Rican Day of Action. Today, is also the second-year anniversary of Hurricane Maria, a storm that was partially more severe because of climate change.

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