Small Voices Advocate for Big Change

​By Ava Kadence Jennings

Climate Strike

On Friday, September 20th, 2019, students from Animas High School joined people of all ages in the climate strike held in front of Durango city hall. The strike was from 8 am to 5 pm and was a small part of the global climate strike held that day. The goal was to spread awareness of the idea that young people are invested in the future of our planet. 

Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old climate change activist from Sweden, led the protest in New York, inspiring the idea of the climate strike altogether. The point of it being during a school day was perfectly encaptured by one sign at our local strike that read, “We missed our lessons, so we could teach you one”. 

In Durango, college and high school students alike talked to news and media outlets, photos were taken, chants resonated, songs were sung, and debates were had. The main chant that echoed was one brought by junior Finn Bridgham; “A green new deal is what we need, no more oil, gas or greed!”

Classes were canceled due to lack of students, with teachers moving lesson plans and even tests to the following week.
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Greta Thunberg continues to lead strikes around the world, the next big global strike planned for November 29th, 2019. People around the world continue to strike every Friday alongside her as they will “every Friday for as long as it takes”, Thunberg states.

October 22, 2019