Students Skipped Classes, Marched For Climate Change In Mahwah

MAHWAH, NJ — Some students skipped school Friday in Mahwah and across the United States Friday to push for stricter climate change regulations.

About 75 people, including students, faculty, and local residents, attended a march at Ramapo College of New Jersey as part of a global effort to bring attention to world leaders, "who have yet to acknowledge, prioritize, or properly address our climate crisis," U.S. Youth Climate Strik said in a statement.

"Events like this allow the issue to remain alive in the memories of some people," said Edward Saiff, dean of Ramapo's School of Theoretical and Applied Sciences. "We hope people who read about it they'll remember it."

Some faculty members brought their students to the march.

The worldwide movement was started after 16-year-old Greta Thunberg began missing school on Fridays to protest outside the Swedish parliament. Half a year later, more than 70 countries and more than 500 cities all around the globe have joined the cause demanding political leaders to act, according to US Youth Climate Strike.

Other local protests were held in Montclair, Morristown, and Princeton. (See related: Students May Skip School, Strike In Princeton For Climate Change)

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com