Local students, activists and public officials descended on Morgan Hill City Hall the afternoon of Sept. 20 to raise awareness of climate change and encourage others—including government officials—to take action for a healthier environment.
The rally was organized by the Young Women Leaders, a group of local middle and high school students affiliated with the Morgan Hill chapter of the American Association of University Women. The group of students emceed the Sept. 20 event, offering advice on how to live a greener lifestyle, leading the crowd in song and chants and introducing the speakers on the agenda.
Speakers included Morgan Hill Mayor Pro Tem Rene Spring, State Senate candidate John Laird and local architect Lesley Miles. Mike Sinyard, CEO of Morgan Hill-based Specialized Bicycle Components, led scores of his company’s employees on a ride to the Sept. 20 rally before delivering remarks from the stage.
“Nothing is more important in life than clean water to drink, clear air to breathe and an environment in which to thrive,” Sinyard told the crowd.
The rally ended with the Young Women Leaders inviting audience members up to the stage to share their thoughts on climate change and deliver their pleas for action.
The climate rally was held in solidarity with the Global Climate Strike, a series of events organized worldwide Sept. 20-27 to protest the lack of action on climate change. The movement was started by teen activist Greta Thunberg.
