This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
On Friday, September 20, multi-generational activists gathered at 6th and Main St. in Longmont, Colorado, to join a global effort intended to ignite conversation about climate change. The People of Longmont event was one of many scheduled to take place between September 20-27.
To a passerby, both sides of the street appeared crowded. Above the beats of the drumming circle, cheers, honks, and claps could be heard. As the photos reveal, the majority of attendees carried homemade signs and proudly displayed their passion for protecting the planet. Though names of attendees weren't captured, their enthusiasm for the event was evident.
Over 30 rallies took place across the state on Friday. In Denver, approximately 7,500 activists chose to leave school, workplaces, and their homes to demand bold climate action. Said Jan Rose of Denver/Boulder Climate Reality Project in a press release:
“The sheer amount of participation today is a testament to the fear and concern of Coloradans statewide about the climate crisis. Many students received unexcused absences from school to participate in the strike so they could demand that Colorado leaders, including Governor Jared Polis take action on climate."
The efforts occurred days before the United Nations Climate Action Summit on September 23 in New York. More than 150 countries had pledged to organize events Friday and during the week that will follow, according to a news release.
Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old Swedish climate activist, reportedly inspired the wave of events. Since her Facebook post, activists in 156 countries have pledged to partake in mass demonstrations to demand an end to the fossil fuel era.
By marching in the streets and raising awareness about climate change, the activists hope to encourage local leaders to make environmentally-friendly decisions. Among the list of demands, outlined by the coalition, is the call for reform to the economy. Youth are asking for elected leaders to transform the economy to "100% clean, renewable energy by 2030."
“Working people, black, brown and white across the globe are at the frontlines of the catastrophic effects of this climate crisis,” said Ron Ruggiero President of SEIU Local 105, “We need brave leaders to take bold action. That means pursuing policies like The Green New Deal that ensures unions and workers are integral in our transition to a just and responsible, clean energy economy.”
"The time for complacency has long gone, and young people will not be ignored. We will hold our government accountable to fight for a just and equitable future for everyone. We are the power, and we aren't going to stop speaking out until the people are put first and the fossil fuel industry is put to rest," said Michele Weindling, Age 24, Boulder/Denver Sunrise Movement.
