Summary

The King County Council on Wednesday voted to support a worldwide walkout of students urging immediate action on climate change.

Story

The King County Council on Wednesday voted to support a worldwide walkout of students urging immediate action on climate change.

Wednesday’s proclamation makes official King County’s support of the Global Climate Strike planned for Friday, a youth-led walkout set to take place across the globe to protest government and business inaction on the global climate crisis. It is expected to be one of the largest environmental protests in history.

The council also reminded King County employees that they can take a day of pre-approved unpaid leave to participate and encouraged those King County residents who could take time away from work to stand in support of the youth.

Quotes:

“We have 11 years to dramatically change our economies and systems to slow the pace of climate change or our world is set to be drastically different than what we see today, drastically different than what I’ve enjoyed in my lifetime,” said Councilmember Joe McDermott. “And those who are going to be most affected, young people still in grade school, are tired of hoping for change, they’re demanding it. We as adults had better listen.”

“We can no longer sit by idly as the world around us burns and melts,” said Councilmember Kohl-Welles. “Sadly, our children and their children are the ones who are going to have to do the most work to clean up the mess we have created. So, we must all stand with our children as they strike for their futures and then we all have to take collective action to change course and save this planet – our only home.”

“Local leadership is more important than ever as we confront the stark and troubling realities of climate change,” said King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci. “The September 20 walkout, led by students, inspires all of us – students, community organizations, businesses, neighbors and government – to take the significant actions needed to confront the challenges ahead.”

“I am in awe of the young people who have asserted their leadership on saving our planet,” said Councilmember Larry Gossett. “In the aftermath of the hurricane that devastated the Bahamas that has caused countless lives and property damage, we can see that there is an urgency in supporting and acting in support of this Global Climate Strike.”