On October 22, 2019 many students from Collingwood school left classes and rallied on the streets of Vancouver in order to participate in the climate strike. Among the thousands that united, Greta Thunberg, a 16 year old activist on the topic was one of the most notable speakers, who has been shedding light on the dire state that our Earth is facing, for a while now. Originally, she began going on strike from school on Fridays, in order to pressure politicians to create change for the issue of climate change. This is an ongoing problem, that as demonstrated by Greta, has some thinking that government in-action to deal with this ongoing and worsening crisis is at the root of it all. Greta has been a key instigator in such movements that have been occurring worldwide.
It has been determined that in one day between 12,000 to 15,000 people descended to the Vancouver Art Gallery, which was the site of this peaceful protest. “It is incredible how many you are,” Thunberg said, which proves just how impactful and important such movements are. Personally, I believe this supports the idea that no matter how insignificant your actions may feel they truly do have a lasting importance. This is the ninth staged climate strike organized by the Sustainabiliteens. This Metro Vancouver group has been planning the details of this strike for a while now, which have been inspired by Greta’s work. Along with her was David Suzuki and several youth from around Canada that came together in order to create change, starting now.
By Selin Ozgur