Overlakers Participate in Seattle's Global Climate Strike

The worldwide movement of today’s Global Climate Strike walkout included more than thirty Overlake climate activists. They joined thousands of young people who gathered at Cal Anderson Park in Seattle and marched to City Hall to demand an agenda that will tackle climate change. 

“It’s important to participate in this event because I believe that climate change is the most urgent issue facing my generation,” says ASB President Anna D. (’20). “With the current complacent administration, it’s now up to us to raise awareness about the threat of climate change. I hope legislators realize that our future rests in their hands.”

Because the event is driven by young adults, several Overlake students were instrumental in organizing participation. That included logistics and communicating with campus administrators. “We’ve had a really phenomenal response and know that it’s a big commitment to miss four blocks of class to attend a rally in Seattle,” says Senior Liddy B. “This is a long-term problem, and I think politicians need to focus on climate change because if they don’t, we as new voters will elect legislators who do.”

Governor Jay Inslee’s 2020 Presidential bid ended when he dropped out earlier this month. Running on a platform with climate change as its anchor, he says that young Washingtonians are the ones who have most at stake. “Moments like this in our environmental history will define us and reverberate through generations,” said Inslee who joined students at Friday's walkout. “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.” 

Overlake administrators agree and allowed students to participate in the event as an excused absence. Assistant Head of US Meghan Waddle says it’s another example of Overlake students making a difference. “Overlakers role is to be one of many, many activists today and in the future. They are transforming their emotion and conviction into action and standing together united with several thousands of students across the world,” explains Waddle. 

Click here to learn about today’s event and ways that each one of us can make a difference.