Today across the globe, concerned, environmentally conscious people will participate in a climate strike to demand action on the issue of climate change. Strikes are scheduled to take place in over 150 countries according to organizers and the New York City Department of Education is allowing its 1.1 million students to have excused absences for participation in the historic march. Here in Plattsburgh, a strike will also be taking place in the Amity Plaza outside the Angell College Center.
Protest as a form of communication and expression is powerful. A group of people standing together passionately on any issue is a powerful message and climate change and the future of our planet is an issue that needs the attention of all 7 billion people on the planet.
The historic Women’s March that took place after the inauguration of Donald Trump sent a strong message that women were united in a common cause and angry about the state of affairs. The worldwide climate strikes taking place today have the power to do the same thing.
An article published in the Washington Post last October reported that we only had a decade left to get climate change under control before the future conditions of the planet become irreversible. The prospects of this are scary because it requires not only action from citizens but their governments as well to make large sweeping reforms and legislative changes that will help curb carbon emissions. Efforts to curb carbon emissions can help slow down the gradual increase of the temperature of Earth.
In the Opinions article that ran last week, the climate activist Greta Thunberg was profiled. Thunberg has proven a powerful advocate for climate change because she belongs to a generation that will be affected by action or inaction on the issue. The decisions and actions made now will affect how the younger generations live the rest of their life. Our planet is our home. We need to save our home.
The editorial board of Cardinal Points urges the students of SUNY Plattsburgh to get involved and active on this issue.
Attend today’s strike.
Do the appropriate research on this issue and understand the facts and figures.
Become involved in clubs and organizations dedicated to this issue.
It’s our future at stake.
It’s time that we stand together and demand action.
