Climate change has affected the planet for decades.

This year on March 15, 1.4 million people participated in strikes for climate action.

According to Fridays for the Future website, 2,233 cities and 128 countries had students participate in these events, including 16-year-old Greta Thunberg, who is involved in school climate strikes and in August started a solo protest every Friday in Sweden.

At the recent strike, Thunberg expressed her opinion by chanting, “System change not climate change.”

Thunberg attended a press conference in Brussels about her concerns for the environment. The innovation of the policies will be difficult when the Trump administration thinks climate change is a minor issue.

The administration’s policy will lead to increase in the change in climate with the leasing of oil and gas and using their energy dominance plans.

The National Environmental Policy Act states there should be a productive and enjoyable harmony between humankind and the environment. The impact of drilling is not protected by that act causing inadequate environmental assessments.

How does this relate to the students who protest?

Daily tasks like cooking on biomass fuel can cause respiratory diseases which is one of the leading causes of adolescent death. Greenhouse gases affect children the most due to low air quality.

According to ScienceDirect, problems due to climate change can cause malnutrition, allergies and diseases like malaria and Lyme disease. Heat strokes and drowning can also be caused due to high temperatures and rising sea-levels.

The protests were started to get systems for an eco-friendly living so future generations have a healthier place to live.

Addressing the crowd Thunberg said, “You say you love your children above all else and yet you are stealing their future in front of their very eyes.”

How to make a difference:

Reduce Reuse Recycle:

There are many ways to help with the environment. Reuse containers and metal water bottles. You can reduce packages and donate usable supplies.

Travel differently:

Instead of waiting in a long car line, make it go faster and save the environment by carpooling with a friend or riding your bike to school. Take fewer plane rides to prevent fossil fuels.