Dozens of Penn State students and State College residents gathered at Old Main Thursday afternoon to call on the university and borough to take action against climate change and support sustainability efforts.

The Earth Day strike, organized by Penn State Climate Action, Penn State Eco Action, and Sunrise State College, began at noon Thursday. There, advocates held signs and delivered speeches to promote action against climate change.

Here’s a look a how the strike unfolded Thursday afternoon:

Folks made sure to bring colorful and catch signs to the event. Each brought a message imploring leaders to take action against climate change.

Once community members gathered, a number of attendees delivered speeches encouraging local leaders to take action against climate change.

Siddhi Deshpande, a junior studying neurobiology and the co-founder of Sunrise State College, spoke on Old Main’s steps and encouraged leaders to resist compromises and excuses.

Former student body President Zach McKay also spoke, imploring both students and administrators to do their part and take action while they can.

Students weren’t the only ones advocating for change, though. Ezra Nanes, who’s vying for the Democratic nomination for State College mayor this spring, addressed the crowd, too.

Later on, attendees pulled out their phones to call local leaders, including Senator Pat Toomey’s office, to demand change from Pennsylvania’s representatives.

Other signs directly addressed Fred Keller, who represents Pennsylvania’s 12th congressional district, which is home to State College and large portions of north-central Pennsylvania.

Humans aren’t the only ones who care about the planet.

Getting involved with these groups moving forward is easy. You can find Penn State Climate Action on Instagram or visit Sunrise State College’s Facebook page to learn more.