The courthouse lawn was already packed with adults by 10:15 a.m. for the Global Climate Strike, an extension of the Youth Climate Strike that occurred last spring.

“In over 150 countries, people are stepping up to support young climate strikers and demand an end to the age of fossil fuels,” the website for the Global Climate Strike stated.

Friday Harbor High School students walked out of their classes Friday, Sept. 20, from 10:30–11:15 a.m. and were greeted by cheers from the adults waiting for them. Shortly after the kids arrived, the crowd began marching toward Spring Street where they paused at Memorial Park.

“What do want? Climate Justice! When do we want it? NOW!” The protesters chanted.

The Youth Climate Strike movement was sparked by Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old Swedish student, according to the Youth Strike website. Thunberg organized the march because scientists warn there may only be a few years to transform energy systems, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent the worst effects of climate change from happening.

“We are striking because our world leaders have yet to acknowledge, prioritize, or properly address our climate crisis,” the website creators wrote.

“I encourage educators to embrace Friday’s Global Climate Strike as part of a strong civic education for young people. The youth of today will inherit the planet of tomorrow,” Gov. Jay Inslee said in a press release. From Guatemala to Antarctica, across Europe and the United States, adults joined students who demand action on global warming.

Friday Harbors protesters continued their march back to the courthouse and continued holding up their signs. One signs said, “Science doesn’t lie,” another, “There is no planet B.”

One more declared, “Like the Oceans, We Rise.”

Shortly after 11 a.m., the students returned to school, while adults continued to mill about.

For more information about the Youth Climate Strike, visit youthclimatestrikeus.org/platform.

For more information about the Global Climate Strike, visit globalclimatestrike.net.

Student shows off her sign at the Global Climate Strike. (Heather Spaulding/staff photo)

A group of students advocates for climate justice. (Heather Spaulding/staff photo)

Islander Lisa Lawrence her grandchild show support for the environment. (Heather Spaulding/staff photo)

Student shows off her sign. (Heather Spaulding/staff photo)

Students chant at Memorial Park during the Global Climate Strike. (Heather Spaulding/staff photo)