Martin County youth organize rally to raise awareness about climate change

Maggie Mesoley (from left), 17, Kayla Keating, 18, and Abbie Nauss, 17, lead a march down Flagler Avenue in Stuart Friday, Dec. 6, 2019, as part of the U.S. Youth Climate Strike, a national grassroots organization raising awareness about climate change. The three high schoolers, along with three others, organized the strike and led a group of about 100 people to the front door of the office of U.S. Congressman Brian Mast. "We are striking because we want action on climate change," said Paige Scott, one of the organizers of the strike, "and we feel that none of our policy makers have taken any action to prevent the climate crisis." The six high school organizers put the word out on social media hoping to have a large turnout. "We weren't quite sure how many people were going to show up but we're hoping that a lot of people come," said Mackenzie Abbott. "Climate change is affecting all of us, not just a few people, and if we don't do something, we won't figure it out. And that's why we're here today, to figure it out," Abbott added.