Rally for the Planet

Summer Grace

Students hold signs before attending the Rally for the Planet at the state house. Photo: Summer Grace

On April 12, 2018 hundreds of students gathered at the Vermont State House to Rally for the Planet. Student speakers expressed frustration about U.S. Congress’s approach towards climate change and spoke about the influence that student protests have on current issues in the state house and beyond.

Students painted our planet on each other’s faces while attending Rally for the Planet. Photo: Summer Grace

“I think [youth activism] makes it very clear to those in government that it’s not just the people that voted for them who have opinions but the youth as well. It’s a very good reminder for them that they are there to serve us and to represent us,” Zoe Cudney, a member of Burlington High School’s environmental club LEAP.

Flags and handmade signs were held high during the march to the state house in Montpelier. Photo: Summer Grace

Later Burlington High School students met privately with Senate President pro tempore Tim Ashe, and other legislators.  The conversation moved from climate change and environmental policy to school safety, gun control, net neutrality, and drug abuse.

Many legislators and government officials detailed their plans for managing fossil fuels, water quality, and renewable energy. All encouraged student activists to continue to push for what they believe in.