Hundreds of thousands turn out in New York, other major cities for climate marches

By John Bowden - 09/20/19 02:51 PM EDT
 

Hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets in cities around the world Friday to demand action from world governments on climate change.

Video of demonstrations in New York, San Francisco, Berlin and several other cities showed city streets teeming with protesters. Some estimates put the total attendance at strikes around the world in the millions.

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Berlin and New York each had crowds estimated at more than 100,000 each, while thousands also turned out in Austin, Texas, Raleigh, N.C., and Washington, D.C.

The demonstrations garnered large followings on social media as well, with #ClimateStrike topping the list of U.S. Twitter trends. Another hashtag used by the movement, #ClimateAction, was near the top of the list Friday afternoon.

Climate strikes also took place in Nairobi, Dublin, Islamabad, Mumbai and Melbourne, according to Mother Jones.

Democratic presidential candidates like former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenDavis: Supreme Court decision is bad news for Trump, good news for Vance Teachers face off against Trump on school reopenings Biden wins Puerto Rico primary MORE, Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenIn politics, as in baseball, it ain't over till it's over Trump defends Roger Stone move: He was target of 'Witch Hunt' Democrats blast Trump for commuting Roger Stone: 'The most corrupt president in history' MORE (D-Mass.) and entrepreneur Andrew YangAndrew YangBiden campaign to take over 'Supernatural' star's Instagram for interview Hillicon Valley: Justice Department announces superseding indictment against WikiLeaks' Assange | Facebook ad boycott gains momentum | FBI sees spike in coronavirus-related cyber threats | Boston city government bans facial recognition technology The Hill's Campaign Report: Progressives feel momentum after primary night MORE all offered messages of support to the protesters. Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersBiden wins Puerto Rico primary In politics, as in baseball, it ain't over till it's over Biden wins Louisiana primary MORE (I-Vt.), another White House hopeful, spoke at a climate strike rally in Greensboro, N.C.

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, who has led youth climate strikes across Europe, is slated to speak Friday at the New York City rally in Battery Park following her trip to Washington, where she sat with protesters on the steps of the Supreme Court.

"The preliminary numbers say there are at least 3 million people in today’s #ClimateStrike And that is before counting North and South America!! To be updated... #FridaysForFuture," she tweeted Friday.

Tags Austin New York City Washington D.C. Kenya Pakistan Ireland Elizabeth Warren Bernie Sanders Andrew Yang Joe Biden New York North Carolina Texas Climate change demonstrations Global warming