Friday 15 March 2019

Students Rally for Better Climate Policies

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Thousands of students across the Hunter have rallied today in a call for action on climate change.

Children walked out of their classes to attend the protests as part of a global movement started by Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg, whose work on the movement has seen her nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.

The Newcastle School Strike 4 Climate saw students gather at the city's Civic Park at midday before students later marched to Federal MP Sharon Claydon's office.

Ms Claydon welcomed the action, saying students should be congratulated for getting active on the issues that matter.

In the Upper Hunter, students and their supporters gathered at 10am outside Dungog Town Hall for a four-hour rally.

The Fridays For Future movement started by Ms Thunberg has faced wide criticism, with politicians and commentators suggesting children should show they care by attending rallies in their spare time rather than during school hours.


School Students at Friday's Event. Image: Hollie Hughes/2NURFM News