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File #: 19-1745    Version: 1 Name: 9/16/19 Resolution to Support Climate Strike
Type: Resolution Status: Passed
File created: 9/16/2019 In control: City Council
On agenda: 9/16/2019 Final action: 9/16/2019
Enactment date: 9/16/2019 Enactment #: R-19-432
Title: Resolution to Support and Authorize Staff Participation in Washtenaw County Climate Strike on September 20, 2019
Sponsors: Christopher Taylor, Kathy Griswold
Title
Resolution to Support and Authorize Staff Participation in Washtenaw County Climate Strike on September 20, 2019
Memorandum
On September 20, three days before the United Nations Climate Summit in New York City, young people and adults will strike all across the US and world to demand transformative action to address the climate crisis. This youth-led action emerged from the "Fridays for Future" campaign initiated by Greta Thunberg, a Swedish youth who began walking out of classes on Fridays to draw attention to the global climate crisis. Within a short period of time, thousands of youth from around the world began emulating Greta, demanding that leaders around the world take action to immediately end the use of fossil fuels and embrace a just transition to a clean energy future.

To show solidarity with the "Fridays for Future" campaign, youth from around the world organized the Global Week for Future initiative. This initiative runs from September 20th - September 27th and is a week-long call for climate action. Individuals and organizations from around the world are using this week to bring a laser focus to the urgent need for climate action. In the U.S. (and around the world), youth have chosen September 20th as the day for an international climate strike.

As such, on September 20, 2019, youth leaders from across the region have orchestrated the Washtenaw County Climate Strike. This strike will take place from 12pm-3pm on the Ingalls Mall of the University of Michigan. The organizers of this strike are youth from our middle schools, high schools, and colleges and universities. These youth have asked adults from across the community to join them in striking. To-date, more than 33 organizations have stepped up to show their solidarity with the Washtenaw County Climate Strike organizers. These organizations include local, regional, and statewide nonprofits; businesses; professional societies; and labor leaders.

On September 20th high school teachers ...

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