Police say 16 people have been arrested for blocking traffic during a climate protest in front of New York City's American Museum of Natural History.

The protesters face charges of disorderly conduct stemming from Friday's die-in at the museum. The protest was one of several around New York City as thousands of high school students walked out of class.

One student protesting in front of City Hall carried a sign that said: "I'm not showing up for school because adults aren't showing up for climate."

Thousands of New York City students waged climate protests at locations including Columbus Circle, City Hall, the American Museum of Natural History and a football field at the Bronx High School of Science.

A police spokesman said there were arrests but he did not know how many.

Friday's protests were part of a global mobilization against climate change by students who want governments to do more to combat it.

A 13-year-old co-coordinator of the New York City climate protest that culminated in a die-in at the steps of the American Museum of Natural History says she is pleased with the number of demonstrators but a big turnout isn't the point.

Alexandria Villasenor says students will continue to strike, march and engage in civil disobedience but won't be successful until world leaders take some action. The protest Friday was part of a global effort mounted by students in more than 100 countries.

Source: American Press

BDST: 1655 HRS, MAR 16, 2019
SI