Voices From The Denver Youth Climate Strike

On Friday, December 6th youth climate activists and indigenous youth gathered in Denver for another climate strike. KGNU’s Dave Ashton was there and brings us these voices.

“What’s key to everyone’s health is clean water. Air, water and climate are all connected.” — Brad Evans, South Platte River Waterkeeper

Strikers marched from Union Station to the steps of the Colorado State Capitol to “demand a livable future.”

The youth-led event was hosted by The Colorado Youth Climate Coalition, Sunrise Colorado, International Indigenous Youth Council, Extinction Rebellion Denver, 350 Colorado, Boulder CAN, The Climate Mobilization – Colorado, Greenpeace Denver, Earth Guardians Boulder and Colorado Climate Strike.

The rally included a range of performances highlighting the concern that the costs of the climate crisis is paid for in the lives and livelihoods of those least responsible for causing climate change.

The 2020 election was also a central focus with organizers speaking out about the importance of local climate action considering Colorado is a critical battleground state.

Youth strike organizers called for 2020 to kickoff the Decade of the Green New Deal, which would include: ending all fossil fuel expansion, enacting a rapid and equitable transition to 100% renewable energy, and holding fossil fuel companies responsible for environmental damage.

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