Thousands of Hobartians have rallied for action on climate change

Thousands of students and concerned citizens have attended the Hobart School Strike for Climate — one of several rallies held across the country as part of a national movement. SEE THE GALLERY

Climate strike rally attendees fill Salamanca Place. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

THOUSANDS of Hobartians have rallied today for action on climate change.

The event at Hobart’s parliament lawns started at noon, and is part of the global School Strike for Climate movement that will see events staged in 110 towns and cities across Australia.

Organisers are demanding government and business commit to a target of net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

Thousands hit the streets for Hobart climate strike

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Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the council supported those participating in the climate strike action.

Cr Reynolds said Hobart was one of many cities worldwide that had resolved to declare a climate emergency.

“Recent modelling shows that Hobart faces the threat of more frequent bushfires, longer heatwaves, heavier rainfall, sea level rise and storm-tide events as a result of climate change,’’ she said.

“As a city, we are working to reduce our impact on the climate. But we are very keen to see strong and genuine leadership from our federal government.”

Bryher Mckewin (with megaphone), Amelie Hudspeth and Toby Thorpe among the thousands of people who attended the climate strike rally in Hobart. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Tasmania’s Children’s Commissioner Leanne McLean said children and young people were passionate about the issue.

“Those striking today are sending a powerful message that combating climate change is one of their top priorities,’’ she said.

“They want to be engaged in the decisions that affect them both now and in the future, as is their right.”

The School Strike for Climate initiative is a global movement inspired by Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg and spread to Australia last year.

The strike is occurring three days before a United Nations Climate Change summit.

***ROAD CLOSURES***

The Global Climate Strive is on tomorrow with a midday start to finish around 1pm.

Tasmania Police have said this will be the route:

• parliament Lawns, up Gladstone Street

• Turn Left into Kirksway Place

• Turn left in Montpelier Retreat

• Turn Left into Salamanca Place

• Turn right onto Gladstone Street (in front of parliament Lawns)

• Into parliament Lawns at Castray Esplanade & Murray Street entrances.

And the following roads will be closed:

• Salamanca Place will be closed between Montpelier Retreat and Davey St

• Gladstone St between Sandy Bay Rd and Murray St

• Kirksway Place

• Montpelier Retreat between Knopwood St and Salamanca Place

• Morrison Street between Elizabeth St and Murray St/parliament lawns (towards Salamanca only)