Chicago

Climate Activists March in Downtown Chicago as Part of Nationwide Demonstration

Several climate change demonstrations took place across the world on Monday

Activists took part in demonstrations in Chicago and other major cities across the world on Monday to demand action on climate change.

The coordinated worldwide protests were organized by demostrators affiliated with the Extinction Rebellion movement. Members of other environmental groups, including Illinois Youth Climate Strike, also joined in the protests.

Crowds of young protesters marched from Trump Tower and headed down State Street on their way to City Hall chanting, "What do we want? Climate justice. When do we want it now?!" 

Some young protesters were worried that adults don't care about climate change. 

"It's our future really," said Adelina Avalos with Illinois Youth Climate Strike. "We're going to be the ones affected by climate change first-hand, so it's crucial we're at the table." 

One mother decided to bring her two young sons to the protest to educate them about the environment.

"It gets me angry, and I wanted to show them that other people are fighting for them," said mother Sylvia Wooller.

Protesters occupied the area outside of City Hall on Monday as part of a "die-in" to call for change. The "die-in" lasted for 11 minutes, which represented the 11 years activists believe are left to prevent a climate catastrophe. 

Demostrators called on Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker to pass the Clean Energy Jobs Act, and shared support for a Green New Deal on a national level. 

Activists also pleaded for the City of Chicago to declare a climate emergency. 

"Hopefully something happens, and we get action taken," Avalos said. 

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