Students protesting climate change in Manila, Philippines. Photo: Ezra Acayan/Getty Images
Millions of young people across 150 countries are protesting climate change on Friday, with many students skipping school to participate, the Washington Post reports.
What's next: The protests come days before world leaders are set to meet at a climate summit at the United Nations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres wants leaders to come with actionable plans and not empty promises, per the Post.
The backdrop: The Friday for Future protests began in 2018 when Swedish teen climate activist Greta Thunberg went on strike from school on Fridays. Since then, Thunberg has become the face of youth climate protests and advocacy.
In New York City: Thunberg led the protests. The main protests were scheduled for noon, but protesters gathered early, per the New York Times. Leading up to the protests, New York City announced its 1.1 million students are allowed to skip school to participate.
In Germany: At least 500 protests are planned across Germany as German Chancellor Angela Merkel prepares to unveil a new climate protection package. Her government has been under increasing pressure to take action after a summer of heatwaves, per the Post.
In Australia: The first wave of demonstrations started in Australia, with more than 300,000 protesters marching across more than 110 towns and cities, according to the School Strike 4 Climate. Protesters demanded no fossil fuels and 100% renewable energy.
In Indonesia: Students and protesters gathered to call for action against the fires that burned through nearly 800,000 acres around the country, per the Post. The smoke is causing health problems, endangering wildlife and is spreading to nearby Malaysia.
In the United Kingdom: Thousands of protesters and students gathered across the country. Students staged a "die-in" in Belfast, Ireland, per BBC. Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn plans to speak with protesters in Westminster.
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