SC Applauds NJ Student Climate Strike

Today thousands of students in New Jersey will march out of their classrooms to strike for climate change action. Towns like Belvidere, Englewood, Highland Park, Lambertville, Maplewood, Montclair, Morristown, New Brunswick, Princeton, Red Bank, Teaneck and more are holding climate strikes. They join the millions of people around the word want a cleaner and greener future for all generations.

“Today is a great day of action.  Children, students, parents, and seniors are marching for action on climate change. The students are leading the strikes and calling on politicians that the house is on fire and we need immediate action on climate change. Today there were 100s of people just in Lambertville and even more in Montclair. Ramapo College, Teaneck, Princeton and more are joining the fight. We solute everyone for coming out today. We not only need to get rid of fossil fuels, move to zero carbon and but we need to move forward on the Green New Deal,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “This is not only a call for action on climate change, but New Jersey calling on Governor Murphy to stand behind his word on reducing greenhouse gases and moving forward on renewable energy. Thousands of people all across New Jersey are calling for action and the best way for Governor Murphy to respond is with a moratorium on fossil fuel projects.”

Today, marchers are calling on world leaders to take steps to slash greenhouse gas emissions in order to keep the planet from warming more than 1.5 degrees celsius by 2030.

“These walkouts were planned and organized by and for the students. They will be the first generation impacted by climate change and will have to live with the aftermath of what is happening today. It critical for them to help move us forward with a sense of urgency. Climate change impacts are worse and happening faster. Last year was the fourth hottest on record. Oceans are warming 40 percent faster than previously believed, with devastating effects. Climate change is an existential threat. The future of these students, all of our families and our communities depend on taking action against climate change,” said Tittel.  “Today is one of the greatest outpouring of students since the Vietnam Era and first Earth Day. When our young leaders lead, leaders will follow. People are fighting for their future and our future. Leaders on a local, state, and national level need to listen and fight climate change together.”

There are close to 800 climate strikes across the U.S but other countries like Australia had the larges demonstration in history today with 100,000 demonstrators pushing for climate action. Poland, Berlin, Britain, Mumbai, Kenya also joined the climate strike in tens of thousands.

“Student activists are setting an example to be followed by making their voices heard on climate change. That’s even more vital considering the fossil-fool we have in the White House. Trump has rolled back critical rules that protect our clean air, water, and open space. At the same time his war on the environment hurts our lungs and our wallets. Climate impacts have taken a huge toll on New Jersey and are getting worse. Today is a day where New Jerseyans will collectively join by the thousands to call on our legislators and Governor to protect this planet and our future,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “Young people are fighting for their future. Our leaders need to listen, and act to combat climate change.”