School strikers, unions, businesses, teachers, scientists, celebrities and religious organisations take to the streets for a week of climate action.

5,800 actions to take place in 163 countries all over the world

73 trade Unions and 820 civil society organizations supporting

3,024 companies and 7,371 websites joining the Digital Climate Strike

Today was the biggest distributed climate mobilisation ever seen. Organizers estimate that over four million people took to the streets today, kicking off a week of actions in which more than 5,800 events will take place in 163 countries in all corners of the globe. Over 7,370 websites shut down and around 3,000 companies closed their doors in support of the Global Climate Strikes.

From Jakarta to NYC, from Karachi to Amman, from Berlin to Kampala, from Istanbul to Québec, from Guadalajara to Asunción, in big cities and small villages, millions of people joined hands and raised their voices in defense of the climate.

There were 40,000 people striking in France; 2,600 in Ukraine; 5,000 in South Africa; 10,000 in Turkey; 5,000 in Japan; 100,000 in London; 330,000 in Australia; 250,000 in NYC; and 1.4 million in Germany.

Images from the events all over the world are available here.

The demands are as diverse as the regions they are coming from, but the ultimate ask is unique: to stop burning fossil fuels and take real actions to overcome the climate crisis.

“Today we saw a movement, made up of people from all ages and backgrounds coming together and calling for the end of coal, oil, and gas. No matter what differences we have, we are together now because we are fighting for our future. September 20th was a demonstration of intent, of four million people who took time off from work or school to say that they are ready. Ready to move on and make the changes we need for a future free from fossil fuels and based in climate equity and justice. And it was only the beginning.” May Boeve, Executive Executive Director of 350.org

Today’s demonstrations marked the beginning of a global mobilization which will span until next Friday, September 27th. The climate week will surround the UN Climate Summit being held on the 23rd of September, which will gather world leaders in an attempt to accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels, to implement the Paris Agreement and meet the climate challenge.

“We have shown that we are prepared to take action. Now the governments need to follow through to act at the source of the flames that are engulfing our planet: fossil fuels. And they must prove their intentions in concrete terms: What are their plans for phase out coal, oil, and gas production? When are their deadlines and how will they fund the transition so it’s fair for everyone? There is no more time to lose. We must start now to implement the changes we need to tackle the climate crisis and create a better world. This will be the most challenging time of our lives but the marches today give us hope not just of survival but that we can thrive.”

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QUOTE SHEET

“Climate change is the greatest crisis humanity has ever faced, and it will affect our generation the most. That’s why at the global climate strike on September 20th, youth must lead the way and demand climate action NOW from our world leaders” – Alexandria Villaseñor, 14, school striker and founder of Earth Uprising

“We are the generation of today that stands up for the people of tomorrow” – Helene Meyer, 23, Fridays For Future Switzerland

“We strike so that in the United Nations meeting, when they speak, it is with our beliefs on their tongues. We strike so that when they raise their hands to vote, it is with the weight of our vision hanging from the tips of their fingers. We strike so that when they stand, it will be with the might of the youth, the workers, and the people” – Evan Meneses, 17, school striker from Australia

“Earth should be our number 0 priority. If we don’t do something for our planet now, soon nothing else will matter” – Mădălina Scarlat, 15, school striker from Romania

“We are joining the global strike to demand ambitious climate action for a future bellow 1.5 degrees Celsius. Over the last 10 years, 14 new coal plants have been opened in Chile, the last one was inaugurated this year. We demand the closure of all coal plants by 2030 in Chile, and a clear plan for Carbon Neutrality by 2050, grounded in climate justice” – Angela Valenzuela, 25, Fridays for Future Chile

‘’For me today’s strike is also about placing gender justice and women’s voices at the centre of climate justice demands’’ – Sostine Namanya, 32, Friends of the Earth Uganda

“The only way we can extinguish this forest fire is if we each put one drop over it. Hence we strike on 20 September! Because we’re hummingbirds, and we’ll do the best we can, where we can, when we can. That’s the only way we can fly freely afterwards” – Selin Gören, Fridays for Future Turkey

“I’m striking because I’m done watching my friends suffer from fear and hopelessness due to a crisis they didn’t cause. It’s time for my generation to recognize the power we have. We can transform society and protect our future if we’re willing to disrupt the status quo” – Jordan McAuliff, 16, Sunrise Movement US

“We must take collective action for climate justice as a unified force, around the world. If we do not act soon to stop fossil fuel development and secure money to adapt to devastating storms, there will be no one left in 50 years. I will leave work so that my community sees the power that such an action can have” – Dorothea Balagtas, 17, Quezon City Association for Climate Justice, Philippines