Mount Vernon students to 'climate strike' Friday

MOUNT VERNON, Ind. — Mount Vernon students plan to participate in a global "climate strike" Friday to demand action on climate change.

The event takes place in the midst of the United Nations Summit on Climate Change in New York City this week.

Mount Vernon students will gather at the Posey County Courthouse from 3 to 4 p.m. The local organization, Mount Vernon Student Advocacy for Social Impact, is headed by Mount Vernon High School senior Kenzie Paul.

People in 150 countries across the world have planned events and demonstrations that day. 

The strikes are being called in response to COP25, an international climate conference where country leaders will converge in Chile to negotiate the implementation of the landmark Paris Agreement. President Donald Trump has announced his intention to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, a climate plan to limit global warming.

In September, the Youth Climate Strike Coalition ​released five policy demands​: respect for indigenous land, environmental justice, protecting biodiversity, implementation of sustainable agriculture and a Green New Deal.

Those interested in participating or learning more about the local event are invited to visit the national website at www.strikewithus.org.