Fridays for Future

Definition

Fridays for Future is a global youth-led movement that advocates for urgent action on climate change, initiated by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg in August 2018. The movement encourages students to strike from school on Fridays to raise awareness about climate issues and demand more effective policies from governments worldwide. This grassroots initiative has sparked international participation, highlighting the importance of youth engagement in global environmental politics and the urgency of addressing climate change.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fridays for Future began when Greta Thunberg started protesting outside the Swedish parliament, demanding stronger climate action from the government.
2. The movement has grown rapidly since its inception, with millions of students participating in strikes across over 150 countries.
3. Fridays for Future emphasizes the importance of science-based policies and holds governments accountable for their climate commitments under international agreements like the Paris Agreement.
4. The movement promotes not only school strikes but also local events and initiatives aimed at raising awareness about climate change and sustainability.
5. Fridays for Future highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on future generations, emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent further environmental degradation.

Review Questions

• How does Fridays for Future exemplify youth activism in addressing climate change?
  • Fridays for Future showcases youth activism by empowering young people to take collective action against climate change through organized school strikes. The movement allows students to voice their concerns about environmental policies that will affect their futures, fostering a sense of responsibility and agency among youth. By participating in these strikes, young activists not only raise awareness but also push for accountability from governments and challenge them to implement meaningful climate action.
• Evaluate the impact of Greta Thunberg's leadership on the growth and visibility of the Fridays for Future movement.
  • Greta Thunberg's leadership has significantly influenced the growth of Fridays for Future by bringing global attention to climate issues through her passionate speeches and actions. Her decision to strike from school inspired millions of young people worldwide to join the movement, effectively elevating the discourse around climate change. Thunberg's ability to connect with diverse audiences and her commitment to science-driven policies have galvanized support for urgent climate action across various demographics, making her a central figure in this global movement.
• Analyze how Fridays for Future challenges traditional approaches to environmental policy-making and the implications this has on global environmental politics.
  • Fridays for Future challenges traditional approaches to environmental policy-making by emphasizing grassroots activism and direct demands from youth rather than relying solely on formal political processes. This movement shifts the focus onto public accountability, urging leaders to prioritize climate action over economic interests. The implications of this shift are significant, as it raises questions about who gets to participate in policy discussions and reflects a growing demand for inclusivity in global environmental politics, especially from those who will inherit the consequences of today's decisions.

Related terms

Climate Strikes: Public demonstrations held by individuals or groups to demand action on climate change, often involving participants leaving their usual activities, such as school or work.

Greta Thunberg: A Swedish environmental activist known for her role in the climate strike movement and for inspiring millions of young people around the world to advocate for climate action.

Youth Activism: The involvement of young people in political and social movements, advocating for change on issues that affect their futures, particularly regarding climate and environmental justice.