BALTIMORE — At noon on Friday, hundreds of students walked out of school to protest climate change.
Students marched down Charles Street and rallied at the Inner Harbor as part of The Baltimore Climate Strike.
The Baltimore Climate Strike said it is part of a global movement aimed at launching a new era of equitable climate action. The rally at the Inner Harbor was to protest the pollution of waterways and the pollution of the world at large. The Baltimore Climate Strike says it hopes to support a global movement, which demands a green new deal, respect for indigenous land and sovereignty, environmental justice, protection and restoration of biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture.
“City Schools encourages students to make themselves heard about significant issues like climate change," said Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises, CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools. "Our students have important things to add to the nationwide conversation about our roles and responsibilities in this global movement; as educators, one of our primary goals is to teach young people to become engaged citizens who participate actively in our world. I support the determination of our students to express their voice, and I encourage them to do so in a manner that is safe and responsible.”
This event may spark a climate change discussion in classrooms.
"We have encouraged principals, particularly at middle and high schools, to make spaces and time available in their buildings for students to discuss the issue of climate change and to identify effective ways to advance their priorities," BCPS said.
School and city police coordinated to monitor students during the march.
Representatives for The Baltimore Climate Strike say, "Young people are mobilizing because we must act now to protect our Earth and preserve our futures."
In Annapolis, students from Severna Park High and Severn School help a rally to emphasize the importance of climate change for students and the future of the earth for them.
"Climate change is real, it is no longer something that can be a debate," said Ella Iams of the Severn School. "It is something we need to treat as a fact and adapt our laws to this rising crisis that is just effecting us more and more every day."
Nearly 5,000 events took place in around 140 countries. More demonstrations are expected next week.
