The global climate strike and beyond

By Violet Bouwes-van Nood, ‘24

On Friday, September 24th, the most significant climate protest in two years took place, led by students across Portland. It was a chance for students to have their voices heard and to take action.

“There are some big climate gatherings coming up, so hopefully, this will pressure leaders to take larger action,” said Megan Cover, co-leader of the environmental action team at Catlin Gabel School (CGS). 

Historically, events like last Friday’s climate strike haven’t been effective at changing policies. That’s not to say they aren’t important events to attend. Alex Williamson, who teaches environmental studies and climate change classes at CGS, talked about how they’re an excellent place to build connections that will create change.

“They are wonderful organizing events where you can form relationships with people who are interested in the same issue; you can get people signed up to vote, you can create relationships that are pushing forward policy agenda,” he said. 

At larger scales of governments, public gatherings become less effective. So what can students do beyond these protests? 

The most effective method for change is target lobbying. That includes meeting with lawmakers, offering comments at public hearings about proposed policies changes, or most importantly getting people signed up to vote. 

“It’s hard to make your voice heard in the climate movement, especially since 70% of global emissions are from 100 corporations,” Cover explained when asked what students could do after attending the strike. 

As well as pressuring change from leaders and systems like schools or workplaces, it’s essential to educate yourself and those around you.

Friday’s climate strike showed how important this issue is to youth across Portland. But If students want to continue to fight climate change, they need to take action, put pressure on lawmakers, educate themselves, and get people to vote.