On Friday, September 20, the Sierra Club joined millions of activists around the world to march and strike for our climate. Like many strikes across the globe, the Climate Strike in Boston was organized by high school students who are passionate and worried about the grim state of our planet. Their demands were straightforward: a Green New Deal; polices that respect indigenous land and sovereignty; environmental justice; protection and restoration of biodiversity; and the implementation of sustainable agriculture. The students were joined by adult allies and environmental organizations in the Boston area to create a day of connection, expression, and political communication.
CONNECTION
The Boston Strike began with an opportunity for strikers to connect with the various grassroots and environmental organizations. Sierra Club was one of the tabling organizations. The work that these organizations have historically done in Massachusetts most directly responds to the issues raised leading up to and at the Boston Climate Strike. It was important that attendees connect with interested and involved citizens who are ready to combat climate change.
Something that stood out about the Climate Strike was the variety of ages present---the intergenerational connection. Because many public schools, including Boston, allowed for an excused absence on Friday to allow children and teens to join the Strike, the number of young people was overwhelming.
EXPRESSION
The time at City Hall Plaza also allowed for folks to contribute to a community art mural, and to make signs for the subsequent marching. People of all ages created bold and colorful signs.
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Some also expressed their creativity through eye-catching outfits!
POLITICAL COMMUNICATION
Following the poster-making, art mural, dancing, and connecting, speeches began. Speakers like 17-year-old Saya Ameli of Brookline and Minister for Ecological Justice Mariama White-Hammond spoke about the importance of the Strike, and the urgency of our actions. Their words spoke truths of justice and empowered the crowd for the march.
The march went all the way to the State House from City Hall Plaza. At this final destination, banners hung from different levels inside the State House that read the aforementioned demands, as well as other bold messages like, “For the water we drink” and “We deserve a better future.” In this Twitter post by the Sunrise Movement in Boston, a short clip is posted from inside the State House.
NEXT STEPS
What happens next? As our global CO2 emissions continue to rise, organizations like the Sunrise Movement and Sierra Club are working hard to keep people engaged and active. The technological solutions exist, it's simply a matter of political will to respond to this crisis.
We hope you will continue to be involved! Please join Sierra Club for a webinar on legislative and political action -- more details here! We have a full list of weekly and monthly events available on our web calendar here.
Photos taken by Sierra Club staff and volunteers.