Editor:
One year ago, a 15-year-old schoolgirl from Sweden, on hearing about climate change and the catastrophic outcomes predicted by scientists, went on strike from school.
Holding a sign that said “school strike for climate,” she stood outside the Swedish Parliament because of the inaction by politicians about a serious issue facing the future for her and every other young person. Her simple premise was: Why attend school when there is no future?
You may have heard about Greta Thunberg and if you haven’t, you will, just Google her name. In just one year she has garnered public attention, met with many global leaders and has started a global movement for what she now rightly terms a climate emergency.
Nominated for a Nobel peace prize and featured on the cover of Time magazine, she has called for school strikes which to date have brought out 1.7 million kids in approximately 125 countries.
On Sept. 20 and 27 this year, more “school strike for climate” events will happen here and the world over. With out of control, unprecedented forest fires burning in the Amazon rainforest and the Arctic Tundra, this is surely an optimal time to encourage you and your kids to participate. After all, it’s for their future.
Gavin Wishart
