We’ve heard it on the news, in our social media, and from our scientific experts, but now, we are hearing about climate change from fellow students. On Friday, March 15th, over forty-five Langley High School students participated in the National Climate Change Strike to protest government inaction on environmental issues. 

“What we’re looking to do here is get a conversation started,” senior Lizzy Gersony said. “Climate change is happening now. Think about what you can learn and how you can build from that.” 

Gersony played a large role in bringing the strike to Langley, along with seniors Reece Herberg, Catherine Sano, Eliza Seigel, Anna Spear, Lindsay Nyquist, and Connor Graves, all of whom spent hours encouraging students to attend and speak their minds. Issues such as energy conservation and youth action were emphasized. 

“I feel like a lot of the time in places like Northern Virginia, people don’t really see the effects as much as other people do, and [subsequently] don’t take action because they can’t see it,” senior Leila Tejani said, who came to attend the strike to support the cause.

Virginia air quality is expected to severely decline over the course of the next several years in response to the exorbitant amounts of greenhouse gas emitted by the state. This issue was called to attention by Lindsay Nyquist, who provided alternative methods to some conventional ones. 

“When people think of power, they think there are good solutions. But we have a really good solution: solar power,” Nyquist said. “And when it comes to it, it’s not about whether we have the ability to build this technology; it’s about whether we’re willing. Getting involved in activism to show the public does have an interest in this.” 

Senior Maia Spoto highlighted the annual opening on the Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Board, open to students grades nine through eleven. Acceptance to the spot provides the student populace of Fairfax a voice in the matters of climate policy. 

“Climate change is undeniable. You can call or even write to your representatives. The more people who send in, and the more effort, [means] we will have an impact,” Spoto said. 

“It’s a very distinctly bipartisan issue,” senior Eliza Seigel said. “Scientists public and private over the past several administrations have said that climate change is real and happening; so there’s not a good reason for someone in this nation to say it’s not.” 

 Climate Strikers, this Friday, seemed to promote one overall message: action is key. Many students that organized and participated stressed that writing to your local representative, advocating for cleaner energy, or running for an environmental position are all vital to the future of our generation’s climate. 

“We may not share the same political beliefs or government views, but we all share a planet,” senior, Anna Spear said.