Global Climate Strikes In Santa Cruz Co.: What You Need To Know

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — In an effort to draw greater attention to the global climate crisis, youth and adults from around the world and across the United States are staging strikes starting Friday to demand an end to fossil fuels and reductions in corporate pollution and environmental destruction.

The Sept. 20 kickoff event is expected to be one of the largest environmental protests ever. Millions of people are expected to walk out of their schools, workplaces, and homes in solidarity.

Organizers in Watsonville have scheduled a protest Friday, 3:30 p.m., at Watsonville City Plaza Park, 358 Main St. In Santa Cruz, demonstrators plan to gather 4-8 p.m. at Louden Nelson Community Center, 301 Center St.

Many other Santa Cruz County demonstrations are planned throughout the weekend and into next week, with events culminating Sept. 27 in what organizers are hoping is a wider-spread student-led walkout and demonstration in downtown Santa Cruz.

The international protests come as the United Nations Climate Action Summit takes place Sept. 23 in New York City. Leaders from government, business, and civil society are expected to address the global climate emergency.

“Together, we will sound the alarm and show our politicians that business as usual is no longer an option,” reads the official Global Climate Strike Page. “The climate crisis won’t wait, so neither will we.”

— Patch editors Gus Saltonstall and Bea Karnes contributed to this story