students holding signs and marching at youth-led climate protest

Around 100 Champlain students, faculty, and staff took to the streets of Burlington, Vermont during the Global Climate Strike.

The Champlain community joined activists from around the world on Friday, September 20. Environmental Studies & Policy major, Social Justice minor, and Champlain Net Impact club organizer Sarah Cipollini ’20 led the group of students, staff, and faculty from Rozendaal Courtyard to Burlington City Hall.

“It was empowering to see everyone’s signs and feel the energy of the crowd,” says Sarah. “I’m incredibly proud that so many people came out to join the global community in demanding justice for our planet.”

student with sign and bullhorn, sign says "no planet B" other people in background
Sarah Cipollini ’20 rounds up the crowd in Rozendaal Courtyard before heading to Burlington City Hall. “It’s crucial for us to send a clear message to our elected representatives and those funding their decisions that the time to act was yesterday,” she said.

large group of eco protestors
More than 100 Champlain community members took part in the Global Climate Strike.

students holding signs and marching at youth-led climate protest
Olivia Cefalu ’20 and Ben Van Cleave ’20 make their way downtown. Around the world, over 150 countries were represented in one of the largest youth-led protests in history.

protestors holding signs
Homemade signs from the march displayed various clever messages, such as “Climate now! (homework later).”

two student protestors holding signs "no planet B"
“There is no Planet B” was another popular message from students.

youth-led climate protesst
Management & Innovation major Erin Warner ’20 (center) sported a T-shirt from Ben & Jerry’s, a company known for its activism.

four students hold a large cloth sign that says "Champlain College Cares"
Champlain College cares! When the group reached Church Street, they draped this banner front and center on the steps of City Hall.

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