The school strike for climate or "Fridays for the Future" movement was inspired by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.
This is the first time that young people all over the world have shared a common message to protect their future. The young Swedish environmentalist's idea of dealing with climate change has inspired young people in many countries to be more involved in the fight against climate change. The story of a 16-year-old girl, G.Thunberg, has awakened young people to raising their voices to make adults understand that young people cannot stop the climate crisis on their own and they call the challenge "a task for all of humanity”. With the knowledge gained, young people are worried about the future; if they don't speak up and act to prevent climate change, it is forecast that they will be the first victims of the climate catastrophe by 2050.
The youth event calling for actions against climate change has taken place in more than 2,200 cities worldwide. In Europe, from Lisbon (Portugal) to Oslo (Norway), students have expressed their concerns about global warming. During the election of the European Parliament, young people in the UK called for future European parliamentarians to implement a Green New Deal. In France, young people are trying to persuade 45 candidates to run for the European Parliament to sign the declaration of climate emergencies.
In Germany, young people are spreading messages such as "Climate now, homework later!” or "There is no planet B”. Representatives of Greek youth have submitted action initiatives to save the planet to the city authorities of Athens, such as the use of recycled products. They call for environmental protection, energy saving, promotion of recycling, and doing everything to have a healthy environment.
Political efforts to cool climate change are "fading" as things get worse, Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres has warned. He said the world is "not on track" to confine the rise in global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels as agreed in the 2015 Paris agreement.
Before the urgency of the problem, the recent International Conference on Climate Action, held in the German city of Heidelberg, attracted the participation of more than 1,000 international delegates. The conference affirmed the feasibility of the climate protection goal, as well as the compliance with the Paris Agreement on combating climate change and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Representatives from all levels of governments are committed to achieving sustainable development and climate adaptation, providing a better life for all. The conference concluded that climate-friendly cities will play a key role in achieving the ambitious climate protection goal.
Young people around the world have shared their messages to call for urgent action to combat climate change. The "green wave" of students makes the world ponder. Embarking on action to protect our green planet is an order to make each person more aware of the future of their own and the next generations.