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Day of Global Climate Action By Joanne Wiebe

 What are Fridays for Future?

Fridays for Future began in 2018 as a youth movement led by climate activist Greta Thunberg.  In an 

effort to protest the inaction of government officials on climate change,  15 year old Greta protested 

outside the Swedish Parliament for several weeks.  Greta soon gained international attention by 

sacrificing her education on Fridays in order to promote climate change awareness.  Since 2018 her 

movement has inspired millions of youth around the world.  Her message has been amplified over social 

media through platforms like Twitter and Instagram using hashtags like #FridaysForFuture, 

#SchoolStrike4Climate and #ClimateStrike. While originating in Sweden, this movement manifests itself 

among the younger generation across borders who are united through a common fear about the future 

living conditions on earth. While ineligible to vote, students have disrupted the function of education 

systems in order to have their voices heard. 


 

In her famous speech at the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit in New York, Thunberg highlighted one of 

the main messages of the Fridays For Future Movement–the failure of the older generation to take action 

on climate change. The future conditions on Earth will be a product of the behavior of the past generation. 

Fridays For Future’s mission is to unite behind the science and make those in power take the facts 

seriously, and act accordingly.


As the Fridays For Future protests continue, the average temperature of the Earth continues to rise as do 

sea levels. This September 24, youth in more than 800 cities and 85 countries around the world are taking 

a stand for their future. What started as one girl protesting alone outside Swedish parliament has turned 

into a global movement of youth striking for their future. Young people around the world have become 

empowered to raise their voices and raise the profile of the climate crisis to where it deserves to be: front 

and centre.


In lieu of hosting a climate strike, Altona Community Action Network is planning to host a Climate Strike 

alternative that we are calling the 'Climate Action Community Tour.' This is a walking tour which highlights 

positive climate and environmental actions that are taking place in our community.  Participants will be 

given a map with various locations around Altona.  Each outdoor stop will have a poster which explains 

the initiative and a QR code with links to videos and more information.  After participants have completed 

the tour, they can submit their map for a prize draw.  The event will run from September 27 to October 3.  

Please visit our Facebook page for more details and to get a copy of the map.





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