Three days ahead of the United Nations Climate Summit, on September 20, 2019, the streets of Manhattan, New York came alive with what would become the world's largest climate change protest. At the helm was Swedish-born Greta Thunberg, spearheading what became known as the School Strike for Climate Movement — a massive demonstration that galvanized climate change activists around the globe to unite behind the cause.
Facts About The World's Largest Climate Protest:
- Millions of people across the planet answered the call when Greta Thunberg led what became the most prominent climate change protest movement in history. The goal was clear: demand immediate action on climate change. In Manhattan, Greta stood before an enthusiastic crowd of 250,000 people to deliver her message.
- According to event organizers, an estimated 4 million people worldwide took part in the September 20 protests. The turnout was staggering — Germany saw 1.4 million participants hit the streets, while both Australia and the UK each drew 300,000 protestants. In New York, 250,000 participants joined the movement.
- The ripple effect of these worldwide strikes — widely dubbed the Greta Effect — was felt well beyond the marching crowds. More than 2,000 scientists spanning forty countries stepped forward to pledge their support for the cause.
- Rather than taking a carbon-intensive flight to attend the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit in North America, Greta chose to cross the ocean by yacht. Once at the summit, she delivered her now-famous challenge — "How dare you?" — a moment that captivated both the press and the high-profile world leaders gathered in attendance.
- In Greta's own words, the choice is simple: she can either stay home and be unhappy, or protest the climate changes and be happy.