Climate change protests in downtown Washington have shut down streets and caused major gridlock, as the fight over the world’s environmental future has once again been brought by activists to the heart of America’s political system.
As the nation’s politicians, political consultants, and federal workers drove in to work on Friday, many were met with the dire pleas of climate activists who unfurled long banners and took to the streets.
In photos and videos posted online, the protesters could be seen in downtown DC, as frustrated commuters honked their car horns.
“Our planet too! Our planet too!” chanted some protesters carrying flags and a neon green banner with the movement “Extinction Rebellion” emblazoned upon it.
The protests in Washington were expected to be bolstered on Friday by students leading strikes from school, as a part of a global movement sparked in part by 16-year-old activist Greta Thunberg.
The protests in Washington on Friday took place as a part of a larger effort worldwide, including large strikes in Spain, where Ms Thunberg was welcomed to speak.
At that protest, demonstrators were heard singing a version of John Lennon’s “Power To the People”, and displaying banners with the logo for “Fridays for Future“, the global climate movement Ms Thunberg inspired.
“What do we want?” some protesters in Madrid could be heard shouting, with others responding: “Climate Justice.”
“When do we want it?” the shout continued. “Now!”
Other protests were planned in the US as well, including in Portland, Oregon, Philadelphia, and in Iowa, where Vermont senator Bernie Sanders said he planned on joining in with the protesters.
