Melbourne’s strike. Australia has already made history with its largest climate mobilization ever. Photo: Survival Media Agency

John — it's happening. 

The sun has set on this historic first day of the Global Climate Strike and marches in the Pacific — and for our friends and allies in Africa and Europe, the strikes are hitting full swing.

Already, turnout numbers from Australia have shattered previous records, with over 400,000 people demonstrating, and tallies from Berlin alone put the city's crowd size at 270,000. Beautiful photos are pouring in from the Pacific, East Asia, and South Asia.

Enjoy the highlights so far as millions of people like you take to the streets worldwide before the day’s end. And if these updates below aren’t enough, follow our live coverage with the latest updates. It'll be rolling all week as we make history together. 

In solidarity,
Nicole

P.S. If you're not signed up for regular global updates yet, subscribe to Fossil Free News.

Strike Highlights

September 20 in Vanuatu. Photo: Dan McGarry

Sunrise over the Pacific: The Solomon Islands kicked off the day, with protestors rowing to shore in Marovo to perform a traditional warrior dance. “We stand in solidarity with the global community of strikers by sharing our frontline truths in a way that resonates with Pacific Island people — through music, folklore, art, and storytelling.” Over 30 events rolled on across the Pacific.

With record-breaking turnouts in Melbourne and Sydney, over 400,000 people turned up across the country — and numbers could tick higher overnight as more reports come in. In Sydney, major roads in the city center were shut down. About 380 ship dock workers walked off the job in Hutchinson Port, according to the Maritime Workers Union.

Rain didn’t stop youth in Mumbai from demanding a safe future. Photo: Fridays for Future Mumbai.

South Asia: Over 70 events across India brought loads of color and energy into the day. In Nepal, a rally highlighted climate impacts on the Himalayas and opposed the government’s plan to start seismic tests for oil and gas drilling. In Ghoti, Pakistan, temperatures soared to 41˚C as people called out for justice.

Kiev, Ukraine. Photo: 350 EECCA

Eastern Europe and the Caucasus: Organisers in Kiev were thrilled to report their strike was the largest climate mobilization yet. The first of three consecutive strike days kicked off in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi with others planned across the region.

South Africa: A peaceful march in Johannesburg kicked off to push for a just transition towards a renewable energy future without coal. It's the start of a week of positive climate action in communities, from beach clean-ups to urban gardening and recycled art workshops. The South African Federation of Trade Unions, which organises 800,000 workers, supports the strikes. 



FridaysforFuture march in Berlin. Photo: Carmen Viñas 

Opening big: Berlin's march just kicked off with massive numbers — 270,000 srikers! — despite some public transportation grinding to a halt. Others in Berlin began to blockade bridges, and a series of escalatory actions are planned throughout the week.

The total number of Germany's strikes topped 500 — and many countries in Europe, including Italy, Portugal, and the Netherlands won't even hold their main strikes until Friday, 27 September. We can expect turnout in the millions today: Follow the live coverage for updates.

One to Watch

This video of Nairobi’s rally is bound to get you energized. “We're marching to ask the government to stay on course to achieve 100% renewable energy," said one protestor. 

Not Just the Streets

At last count, over 3,000 companies have taken part in different ways — some by shutting their doors, others by giving staff the day off. More than 7,350 websites are now part of the Digital Climate Strike, either shutting down for the day or directing people to follow the global strike online. 

Use Your Voice 

Make sure the world knows about your strike. Send us your photos and videos from today and strikes throughout the week using this easy portal:

And keep your eyes out tomorrow for a wrap-up video of all of today’s action, so you can share it far and wide to make our calls even louder. 

We need decision-makers at the United Nations Climate Action Summit on 23 September to understand what we expect: bold climate action with climate justice at its heart — and an end to the age of fossil fuels.

If you're looking for other ways to help keep the movement strong, please chip in whatever amount you can today: