Wayzata Student Helps Organize Massive Climate Change Protest

A nationwide protest on climate change made its way to the steps of the Minnesota state Capitol Friday. Several thousand high school students took part in the Minnesota Youth Climate Strike.

Janani Srinivasa is one of the students who spearheaded rally.

“We are the generation that’s going to inherit this beautiful planet, and it’s my home,” said Srinivasa. “I want my home to be as beautiful and as perfect as it can, and I want the politicians to know that it’s time that youth take charge. This is our home and we want it back.”

Srinivasa was one of about 30 Wayzata High School students to make it out to Friday’s event. The march started at nearby Western Sculpture Park and ended at the state Capitol.

The students hoped that Friday’s protest would help influence elected officials who, in their minds, have failed to prioritize the climate change crisis.

Youth Inspire Climate Action Caucus

Their efforts appear to have already made an impact. Earlier this week, a group of state lawmakers announced the formation of the Climate Action Caucus, which will focus on fighting climate change at the state level.

“It was kind of in response to that engagement by the youth last session that we decided it was really important to gather a group of legislators to have a Climate Action Caucus,” said Rep. Patty Acomb, DFL-Minnetonka.

Acomb’s district includes southern Plymouth.

“We cannot only look at the good work we’ve done already on climate change, and build upon that, and then also hear from others in the community about what they think is important and what things we should be also considering.”

Rep. Acomb now chairs the Climate Action Caucus. She says during the upcoming session her caucus plans to focus on things such as transportation policy and renewable energy.

Wayzata High School

Plymouth