Climate Change Walkout

Climate+Change+Walkout

Alessandro Demoreno, Staff Writer

La Jolla High students recently participated in the Global Climate Change Walkout. This event, organized by La Jolla High’s Environmental Action Club, was one of many walkouts that took place globally. Junior Sasha Moscona, President of the Environmental Action Club, said, “the goal of the walkout was to unite students and pressure political leadership into modifying how we tap into fossil fuels and demand a shift towards renewables, as we can’t vote yet.” The LJHS walkout took place on September 20th, but globally was over the course of a week; from September 20th to 27th. 

The walkout was acknowledged by the San Diego Unified School District and they encouraged the school’s faculty to work with student organizers on campus. Worldwide, it was recognized as the Global Climate Strike. According to Vox, activists estimate that there were about four million participants and 2,500 events scheduled globally. This year recorded the largest scale global climate strike ever. 

La Jolla High’s walkout had a turnout of around 150 students, but Moscona noted that those numbers quickly declined after around 10 minutes, when people used the walkout as an excuse to leave campus. This took away from the overall statement; showing that low turnout of students could lead someone to believe that the cause was not as important to the community as it was portrayed to be. However, Howard Tenenbaum, AP Environmental Science Teacher, said, “[Students] actually organized it, and that was work just to make something like that happen.” Mr. Tenenbaum later added, “Here at the school we must have student leaders.” Having student leaders on campus is very important because it shows students’ desire to be involved with issues, even on a global scale. 

When students work together, there is no limit to what issues can be addressed and what goals can be achieved under strong leadership. Leaders that care about what they are striving for can make the cause even more achievable. Voicing student opinions on such a large topic can lead to major changes, not just in the United States government, but in countries all over the world. Walkouts are a valuable tool, especially for students who cannot vote, to get their cause known and their complaints heard. 

When asked if the walkouts should continue, Mr. Tenenbaum answered,  “Historically, if people care about something deeply and take appropriate steps, they can cause positive change.” After this year’s Climate Change Walkout, many believe it will have an impact, but there is still much to improve. More awareness needs to be spread by using local resources. For the matter of La Jolla High, social media and the school’s free speech board are a good place to start.