Global climate protests start in Australia before UN summit

Thousands of children walked out of schools across Australia yesterday to protest climate change — but many admitted that they had little understanding of the issue.

• Mental health crisis as kids fear climate change

Thousands of children walked out of schools across Australia yesterday to protest climate change — but many admitted that they had little understanding of the issue.

More than 80,000 protesters — some of them children as young as five — took over The Domain in Sydney before marching down Macquarie St to Hyde Park, demanding politicians take action. Part of worldwide demonstrations ahead of a UN climate summit in New York, crowds shouted, “What do we want? Climate action. When do we want it? Now” and “We say no to ScoMo.”

Incredible pictures as Australia’s gathering for the #climatestrike
This is the huge crowd building up in Sydney.
Australia is setting the standard!
Its bedtime in New York...so please share as many pictures as you can as the strikes move across Asia to Europe and Africa! pic.twitter.com/7eAPUQPq5C

— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) September 20, 2019

Erskineville student Sarah Gilbert, 17, said climate action should be a priority for governments.

“Climate change needs to be stopped before anything can get any worse,” she said.

Tens of thousands of people have filled the Domain in Sydney as part of a Global Strike 4 Climate. Picture: AFP

A large crowd of protesters hold up signs during the Climate Strike at the Domain, part of a global mass day of action. Picture: Getty

For some younger attendees, the cause was less clear cut. Nine-year-old Duke Stanton said he was not sure why he was at the protest.

“I’m not sure why I’m here. Maybe because of pollution and stuff. I hate Adani because they make the WestConnex,” he said.

Jojo Stambolis, 12, from Dulwich High School, said climate change was the biggest issue for her generation.

The strike is the latest in a worldwide movement started in August 2018 by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. Picture: AFP

A protester holds up signs during the Climate Strike at the Domain. Picture: Getty

Protesters join the rally in the Domain, one of 110 climate strikes taking place in towns and cities across Australia. Picture: Getty

“I think Adani is going to be a big contributor to climate change. Don’t put me on the spot though, I don’t know where it is,” she said.

Led by teen activist Greta Thunberg, the School Strike 4 Climate movement demands no new coal, oil and gas projects — including the Adani mine — 100 per cent renewable energy generation and exports by 2030, and funding to create new jobs for all fossil fuel workers and communities.

22000 people in Hobart, Tasmania... And this is Sydney still gathering!!!#ClimateStrike #FridaysForFuture https://t.co/wt5YPuGRL7

— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) September 20, 2019

360 degrees #ClimateStrike #SydneyClimateStrike pic.twitter.com/GcqvK1R3OS

— riotersbloc (@droisheealam) September 20, 2019

Organisers estimated more than 300,000 protesters across 110 Australian towns and cities took to the streets. The largest crowd was an estimated 100,000 in Melbourne, followed by Sydney.

In the US more than 800 events were planned yesterday while in Germany more than 400 rallies were expected to take place.

While some local authorities, schools and Aussie business have encouraged people to take part in the strikes, some have warned that absences must be explained. Picture: AFP

Thousands of protesters have poured into the Domain calling for action to guard against climate change. Similar rallies were planned for around the world. Picture: AFP

Australian universities have said they would not penalise students for attending the rallies, while schools vary on what action, if any, they take against children who skip classes to attend demonstrations.

Acting Prime Minister Michael McCormack said students should be in school.

Jimmy Barnes has recorded a video while on tour in Mackay for local students at the Global Climate Strike protest. Picture: David Swift.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said students should discuss how to express their views without missing school.

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“These sorts of rallies should be held on a weekend where it doesn’t actually disrupt business, it doesn’t disrupt schools, it doesn’t disrupt universities,” he said.

Police praised the conduct of those who attended, saying no arrests were made.