Federal Way students joined over one million people all over the world and marched for climate change on Sept. 20.

At TAF@Saghalie, students walked out of the school to Southwest Campus Drive holding signs and chanting protests in response to the apparent lack of accountability and action for climate change from current U.S. administration.

Some of the chants included, “The climate is changing, why can’t we?”, “Be part of the solution, not the pollution” and “The plants are dying and we are not trying.”

Chants from the students and other community members who showed up to participate elicited honks and cheers from passing drivers.

Logan Wilhelm, a freshman at TAF@Saghalie, said the students were protesting on behalf of extinction rebellion.

“We’re trying to get the government to put in new regulations that will help stop climate change, and stop climate change happening so fast.”

Another student, Maroly Riestra and one of the organizers of the student-led walkout, said this protest’s goal was to hopefully inspire others to take action.

“I saw how the government and people that are in power are not doing anything to make a change, so it’s up to us as students to try and inspire others …” she said. “We are the ones that are going to live in the future, so if we don’t do anything now, we may experience the effects of it later on.”

Whitney Chiang, director of multimedia communication for Federal Way Public Schools, said this walkout was entirely student-led, and the district respects students’ First Amendment rights. Several staff members accompanied the students to ensure their safety.

Over 20 students and community members participated in the TAF@Saghalie walkout, while approximately 60 students walked out of Decatur High School for climate change, said Kassie Swenson, Federal Way Public Schools chief of communications and strategy.

According to the Washington Post, demonstrations like this took place all over the world from people who want to encourage world leaders to take a step in the direction of protecting our environment.

Some students marched towards the U.S. Capitol during their protest, the Washington Post reported, while chanting “Whose future? Our Future!”

Students from TAF@Saghalie marched out of their school to bring awareness to climate change and encourage people to get involved. Haley Donwerth/staff photo

Students from TAF@Saghalie marched out of their school to bring awareness to climate change and encourage people to get involved. Haley Donwerth/staff photo