On Friday, September 20, history was made as the largest effort to combat the climate crisis transpired all across the globe. Led by the fearless 16 year-old Greta Thunberg from Sweden, students and workers disrupted their Friday routines and walked out of their classrooms and offices in an effort to draw attention to a problem that’s bigger than all of us, the impending warming of our planet.
In San Diego, the walkouts and marches were largely organized by the local nonprofit, SanDiego350. They succeeded in coordinating over 25 events at highschools, middle schools and businesses, with over 3,500 people in participation all over the county. An overview of the news coverage and local impact can be found on the official SanDiego350 walkout webpage.
Sullivan Solar Power participated in the historic day of events by hosting the Miramar Community Walkout as a public lunch time event for adults to participate and stand in solidarity with the student efforts. Over 50 people from local businesses, Miramar College and UCSD attended the Miramar Community Walkout to show their support for action.
The collective cry for change instilled a special energy to the day. Attendees found themselves no longer alone in their fear for the future. People of all different walks of life, industries, and ages came together to listen and hear each other’s thoughts and concerns. Speakers from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography talked about the changes happening in our oceans, while members of the Surfrider Foundation highlighted the health of our coast and beaches.
Sullivan Solar Power is grateful to everyone that decided to walkout and contributed to make the day so special. It was inspiring to be part of this global climate walkout and Sullivan Solar Power will continue to promote clean energy policies and programs as we urge our world leaders to embrace the solar energy revolution.