Boston Students Join Worldwide 'Global Climate Strike'

BOSTON (CBS) - People are skipping school and work around the world Friday to pressure leaders to take action on climate change.

The Global Climate Strikes, which are taking place in Boston, several U.S. cities and more than 150 countries, have been scheduled ahead of the opening of the United Nations General Assembly and the Climate Action Summit on Monday, September 23.

An estimated nine to 10 thousand people converged on City Hall Plaza, where a rally began at 11:30 a.m. At 1 p.m. the crowd marched to the Massachusetts State House where they demanded Governor Baker declare a climate emergency.

"Today for me is all about fighting for my future," said protester Nina Forcelatti. "I don't want to have to be afraid that my kids are going to die young or I'm going to die young. I'm here to fight for my right to have a planet and help save the world in any way, shape or form."

One man said, "Every young person on the planet is really extremely worried about their future."

The strikes are following the lead of 16-year old climate crusader Greta Thunberg of Sweden who has been skipping school on Fridays since August of 2018 to protest outside the Swedish Parliament.

"We've been organizing this since this summer, and we've really started to see it come to fruition, and it's absolutely amazing, and I can't believe my eyes!" said Saya Hajebi of Sunrise Boston.

No arrests were made.