During the 2019 Climate Strike I attended class as normal, but went to the Wellesley organized march at 3pm. I arrived at about 3:10pm after a meeting with a professor and as I was approaching I immediately heard chanting. From No more coal, no more oil, keep that carbon in the soil to Hey-hey ho-ho, fossil fuels have got to go, I saw dozens of impassioned Wellesley students. My peers were outraged and scared. There was urgency in the air outside of town hall. I heard community members, students, professors, and children speak about the impact of climate change on their lives. Specifically, I heard a student from my year speak about how her hometown in Puerto Rico was destroyed by Hurricane Maria. It was surreal to hear her recount her pain from that time and it moved me so much that I began to tear up. She blamed climate change, and politicians for not acting enough, for this destruction. Until that point, I had forgotten that climate change is responsible for such chaotic weather that can do so much damage. Far too many lives were lost at the hands of the crisis.
I believe that other students took a different approach because some people believe that “grassroots” movements are not effective. I also know students who did not participate for the sake of their mental health– whether they needed rest that day, or they knew that talking of the imminent end would upset them. These people could participate in alternative approaches, like perhaps eating less meat, recycling, or calling their politicians on that day. I think these alternative approaches are effective and valid, however, I believe the climate strike was more about solidarity and community.
The benefits of striking, as mentioned, include the sentiments of solidarity and community. We get to bond over our passion and concern for one solid issue. It also sends a message to global leaders that the people want and need action to be taken– enough that all regular activity is ceased. I also believe a benefit to striking is the pure privilege that we get to do so. We all have freedom of speech and with this right, we should practice it frequently. Other countries, specifically those in Latin America, frequently have strikes and protests at a rate much higher than the United States. Injustice globally needs to be met with resistance. The biggest limitation of striking is that it is inherently an ableist act. You have to be financially secure to take the time out of your daily life to protest, and you must be able-bodied if you are looking to march and be vocal. Especially at Wellesley, the tuition is insanely expensive and it is almost wasteful to give up an entire class period if it is not absolutely necessary.