Students demand climate action

YOUNG students and their supporters rallied for immediate government action on climate change outside Town Hall last Monday.

Participant and member of the School Strike 4 Climate Network Hazel Lanyon said the 15 attendees, representing various schools and tertiary institutions, gathered in Queen Victoria Square with their placards “calling for a better future,” as part of a broader national movement.

“We are demanding that the Morrison Government says no to funding dangerous gas and coal projects, and instead invests in clean renewable energy, secure jobs, and First Nations solutions to protect country,” she said.

“In response to the recent IPCC report and the upcoming COP26 climate discussions, actions have been undertaken nationwide, from school walkouts, to strikes, to youth enrolment events at MP offices.”

Abby Halliwell was advocating for Australia to reach net-zero emissions by 2030.

“It’s for our future, for our children’s future… By 2030, we’re going to reach a point where we’re not going to be able to fix the problem,” she said.

“The impending election, COP26, and the Prime Minister’s previous refusal to go to this event has prompted this demonstration.

“It’s great to be with students from lots of different schools and unis, coming together because of a joint passion for the environment and climate justice.”

Through social media and word of mouth, the young people came together. Some that weren’t able to attend still contributed by designing, decorating, and dropping off a placard.

A few of these signs encouraged passing Sturt Street traffic to honk their vehicle horns in support of climate action.