Call to Action

Tens of thousands of students worldwide took to the streets in protest on March 15. They expressed anger over what they see as adults’ failure to act on climate change.

Rallies were held in 125 countries. Young people called on world leaders to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions × greenhouse-gas emissions IMAGEVIXEN/GETTY IMAGES gases released by automobiles and industry that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere and contribute to climate change (noun) Windmills can help decrease greenhouse-gas emissions. that are warming the planet.

Havana Chapman-Edwards, 8, spoke in Washington, D.C. “Today, we are telling the truth,” she told protesters. “And we do not take no for an answer.”

Scientists say pollution must be reduced in the next 10 years. Otherwise, it could reach dangerous levels by the time the protesters are in their 40s. This would lead to more-severe weather and widespread hunger.

In recent months, students in Europe have staged climate rallies. The United Nations will hold a special climate action summit in September to address the environmental challenge.

Alexandria Villaseñor is 13. She co-organized the New York City protest. Young people can’t wait until they are in positions of power to make change, she says. “By then, it will be too late for my generation. We don’t have any time to waste.”