Friday the 15th of March, almost 300 children and adolescents (and a few adults) showed up to the climate strike at Akseltorv – in spite of the rain that, non stop, poured from the sky.
The climate strike was inspired by Greta Thunberg, the 16-year-old swede, who, every friday since august 2018, has been on strike from school for the climate.
At the same time as the strike in Kolding, over 1.2 million people all over the world went on strike – because the climate change has to be taken seriously.
In Kolding, the 13-year-old student, Irma Borch, took charge and made sure that the strike kicked off. As she said herself; “something has to be done about the climate – and I’m so surprised and excited that so many people have shown up”.
And a lot of people showed up. And they stuck around, singing, drenched and in a great mood – but what is actually the reason that people are willing to stand still for an hour in the pouring rain, just to sing songs and protest? We asked some of the attendants.
“We’re on a climate strike for the future, and our children’s future. And for Earth. Og our kids’ kids’ kids’ future.”
“We’re on strike for the climate. Because in 40 years, the climate will probably be in pretty bad shape” – Students from Lunderskov Efterskole.
“We’re on strike to get the politicians to start listening to what we have to say.” – Students from Kolding Friskole
“We’re on strike to point out to the politicians and everyone in power that we are a lot of people who fight way harder than them.
Yes. And because it’s annoying that we, as a society, don’t get that this is the most important thing.” – Students from 1.g, Munkensdam High School
“We’re on strike because this is about our future.” – Students from Lunderskov Efterskole
“It’s not just the young people who bears a responsibility. So do we; I’m both a maternal and paternal grandmother and I also bear responsibility. We have to do something and we have to do it together, because all have different capabilities. You’re young and possess powers that we, the elders, may not have – but then we can contribute with other things, so we can do something together that really matters.” – Kirsten
“We’re on strike because the climate is important – and because it’s a cool event here in Kolding. These kinds of things always happen in the bigger cities, so it’s nice to see it happen locally.” – Students from Munkensdam High School.
Fotograf: Sanne Dewas
There is hope yet.
