Tens of thousands of Irish young people took part in the Climate Strike today

In a global stand against climate change, hundreds of thousands of young people around the world took part in today’s Climate Strike ?— including many from Ireland.

Children, young people and their parents around the world took to the streets today for the global Climate Strike against inaction against climate change. The protest, which attracted tens of thousands of marchers in Ireland alone, is being described as the largest global climate protest in history.

Marches in Ireland took place in Athlone, Carlow, Galway and many more locations across the country, including four in Dublin.

Several thousands of students marched from Customs House Quay to Merrion Square, where a rally took place.

A view through the crowds… #ClimateStrike protestors gathered at Merrion Square, Dublin #FridaysForFuture pic.twitter.com/vKIfJGra4B

— Philip Bromwell (@philipbromwell) September 20, 2019

The speakers, most of whom were school students, all expressed anger and frustration at government’s and large corporations inaction towards the current climate crisis. Ireland declared a climate emergency in May, becoming only the second country in the world to do so, but has been criticised since then for lack of strong action to amend the country’s contribution to emissions and pollution.

Here they come #ClimateStrike pic.twitter.com/CwSC1FkepX

— Louise Bruton (@luberachi) September 20, 2019

The best signs and slogans

Some of the highlights of the day were the clever and funny signs carried by supporters of the strike (both big and small).

Some favourites of the IMAGE team include “There is no Planet B”, “Trees are the bee’s knees” and the particularly sweet “no one is too small to make a difference”.

So proud of everyone who turned out for the #FridaysForFuture #ClimateStrike strike today, but especially proud of my marching partner! His future is literally in our hands #ClimateActionNow pic.twitter.com/oTrYIzuV1V

— Clare Kelly #andacyclist (@IMMAlab) September 20, 2019

The response

In a statement, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton said: “I have heard the voices of those protesting today. By being a powerful voice, they are paying testament to the damage that is being done to their inheritance.”

The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also expressed his admiration for the young people taking part in the protests, saying “I’m inspired by the fact that millions of young people all over the world have come out to say that they want governments all over the world to take climate action to stop climate change.”

Another global protest is due to take place next Friday, September 27, to keep up the action against climate change.

An estimated 20,000 protesters arriving at the rally in Merrion Square, Dublin. ? #FridaysForFuture #ClimateStrike #GlobalClimateStrike pic.twitter.com/dDsM6VTjZi

— Trócaire (@trocaire) September 20, 2019

Read more: Global Climate Strike Ireland: here’s everything you need to know

Read more: ‘My school doesn’t want me to attend today’s climate action strikes. Here’s why I’m going anyway’

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