Youth Climate Strike: Millennials Protest to Stop Climate Change

by Arianne Santos

On the rainy morning of the 16th of September 2019, 28-year-old Leyte native Joanna Sustento lead a silent protest in front of the towering office building of a mega fossil fuel company, Shell. She called them out demanding them to own up to their responsibility in fueling up climate change.

Joanna Sustento Protesting in front of Shell | Photo by Geric Cruz of GreenPeace

Shell, now being investigated by the Commission on Human Rights, is allegedly contributing to climate change, which is under the law, a violation of human rights. As stated in the Carbon Majors Report, Shell is also ranked as the 9th biggest greenhouse gas emission producer not only in the Philippines but in the world.

About a year ago, we witnessed a sign of similar courage from 16-year-old Greta Thunberg, who then cut class to lead her fellow students in protesting in front of the Swedish Parliament, demanding them to act upon the same crisis. Even though she was criticized by a lot of adults, Greta Thunberg stood her ground and chose to face her critics maturely. This act of courage inspired Global Youth-led climate movements and protests that lasted for consecutive days, September 20 – 27.

Teenage Climate Activitist 'Greta Thunberg' | Photo by Getty

The Philippines is known for contributing less than 1% to the total of global carbon emissions, but even with this percentage, it is also known that the Philippines is one of the countries which are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

The young people who chose to be the front of these demonstrations are those who are known to give brutal and frank criticisms towards the government officials and private sectors who are not doing their job or not doing enough to provide people with the best possible resources.