Thousands of Washington students, tech workers, and activists hit the streets Friday, demanding action against climate change as part of the Global Climate Strike.
Rallies were planned in Europe, Africa, and the United States, where organizers said more than 800 events were expected.
"We can't keep playing by outdated rules and...the people that are making these rules that aren't going to have to face its consequences," said Kimayah Mahajan, 15, who planned to attend a rally in Seattle.
At least two events took place in Seattle: A Climate Justice Fest featuring workshops at Cal Anderson Park, and a tech worker rally took place at the Amazon Spheres. Both groups marched to Seattle City Hall.
Mahajan and the other youth representatives have spent the last few weeks meeting with climate organizations, defining their messages, and spreading the word about the walkout.
Seattle Public Schools said it will count any student who chooses to walk out of class Friday as an unexcused absence. Seattle City Council passed a resolution Monday urging the school board to excuse the absences, and King County Council passed a resolution supporting students participating in walkouts.
Amazon's employees have pressured the company to do more to combat climate change. Earlier this year, more than 8,000 Amazon staffers signed an open letter to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, demanding that Amazon cut its carbon emissions, end its use of fossil fuels and stop working with oil companies who use Amazon's technology to find drillable oil faster. More than 1,500 employees are planning a walk-out Friday to support the Global Climate Strike.
Bezos announced a new climate pledge Thursday, saying the company has ordered 100,000 electric vans that will start delivering packages in 2021. The company also plans to have 100% of its energy use come from solar panels and other renewable energy by 2030.
The Associated Press contributed.