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Climate strike held in Marquette

Nicole Walton

MARQUETTE, MI--   A large group showed up on Northern Michigan University’s campus Friday afternoon to demand action on climate change.

It was part of a worldwide “climate strike” to call for immediate, transformative action to address the issue of pollution, carbon emissions, and greener ways of living.

Students and adults held signs saying “There is no planet B” and “Denial is not policy” as speakers from various environmental groups encouraged attendees to make changes in their own lives. They said lawmakers need to craft legislation tackling climate change, and quickly.

Anna Scalzo is from downstate Clinton Township.

“I think that more people need to realize that the planet is suffering and come out and participate and get people to change their views,” she said.

John O’Bryan said Northern should also get involved in the issue.

“We are urging NMU President Fritz Erickson to join 53 other college and university presidents who have signed on in support of a price on carbon.” 

That means charging a fee for every ton of carbon emissions put into the atmosphere.

Similar strikes were held around Michigan. They stem from the environmental activism of Swedish teen Greta Thunberg. 

Nicole was born near Detroit but has lived in the U.P. most of her life. She graduated from Marquette Senior High School and attended Michigan State and Northern Michigan Universities, graduating from NMU in 1993 with a degree in English.