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Global climate strike: Greta Thunberg and school students lead climate change protest – live updates Global climate strike: Greta Thunberg and school students lead climate change protest – live updates
(32 minutes later)
If you’re waking up in Europe and the UK, then here is where you can find a protest near you:
Global climate strike: how you can get involved
And here’s First Dog’s last cartoon for today:
The organisers of the School Strike For Climate have estimated more than 300,000 people took to the streets across Australia today.
More than double the number of Australians who rallied at climate strikes in March came out today, with an estimated 100,000 in Melbourne, 80,000 in Sydney, 30,000 in Brisbane, 20,000 in Hobart, 15,000 in Canberra, 10,000 in Perth and 10,000 in Adelaide, not to mention the other more than 100 events in non-capital cities and towns.
Organisations striking included 33 Australian unions, 2,500 businesses including Atlassian, Canva, Domain and Intrepid, and faith institutions including the Anglican Church & Uniting Church, they said.
There are well over 100,000 people here in Melbourne and organisers are talking about 150,000.
Niamh, 17, from Castlemaine told the crowd: “I fight for climate justice because everyone deserves a safe future. The government is not supporting it yet, but together we will change that.”
Freyaa, 16, from Melbourne said: “The climate crisis is a human and global issue, and we need to act now.”
The students spoke about recent natural disasters around the world, including massive wildfires in the Amazon and the early bushfires that have caused devastation in Queensland and NSW. “This is predicted to get a lot worse if we don’t act now,” Niamh said.
The students then spoke about the demands of young people striking today, which include the complete phase-out of fossil fuels. The students have gone to great lengths to talk about the need to secure the futures of workers in fossil fuel-intensive industries, whose livelihoods will be affected as economies become carbon-neutral.
Freyaa said: “We understand the role fossil fuels have played in putting food on the table for families. It’s vital we all work together, not against one another. It’s not about jobs v the environment.”
Everyone looks so nice in the sunshine #climatestrike pic.twitter.com/zr7XNjggKr
Melbourne's poster game is strong #ClimateStrike pic.twitter.com/YcNw5HkejQ
Tens if not hundreds of thousands packed out Sydney’s Domain park in the CBD.Tens if not hundreds of thousands packed out Sydney’s Domain park in the CBD.
Moemoana, 18, has come from Wollongong to the protest, and her homeland is Samoa. She’s here with members of the Matavai Pacific cultural centre.Moemoana, 18, has come from Wollongong to the protest, and her homeland is Samoa. She’s here with members of the Matavai Pacific cultural centre.
“I’ve come to fight for the Pacific. The Pacific Islands are [only] metres above sea level because of climate change and it’s a scary future for our islands. We want to urge people to take some action.“I’ve come to fight for the Pacific. The Pacific Islands are [only] metres above sea level because of climate change and it’s a scary future for our islands. We want to urge people to take some action.
“Seas are rising [in] Pacific Islands, especially Tuvalu and Kiribati, it’s a real threat, and Australia needs to know that Pacifika are neighbours and Australia really needs to help out.“Seas are rising [in] Pacific Islands, especially Tuvalu and Kiribati, it’s a real threat, and Australia needs to know that Pacifika are neighbours and Australia really needs to help out.
18-year-old Moemoana, (centre) has come from Wollongong to the protest, and her homeland is Samoa. “It’s a real threat and Australia needs to know that Pacifika are neighbours and Australia really needs to help out."#climatestrike pic.twitter.com/67bvwsdnuU18-year-old Moemoana, (centre) has come from Wollongong to the protest, and her homeland is Samoa. “It’s a real threat and Australia needs to know that Pacifika are neighbours and Australia really needs to help out."#climatestrike pic.twitter.com/67bvwsdnuU
17-year-old protest organiser Daisy spoke of the third demand of the campaign: funding a just transition and job creation for all fossil-fuel workers and communities.17-year-old protest organiser Daisy spoke of the third demand of the campaign: funding a just transition and job creation for all fossil-fuel workers and communities.
“We need solutions that care for people and our planet,” she said.“We need solutions that care for people and our planet,” she said.
“Climate justice is not about jobs versus the environment. Just as climate change hurts people, unemployment hurts people.”“Climate justice is not about jobs versus the environment. Just as climate change hurts people, unemployment hurts people.”
She said too many people were already suffering and would suffer if governments did not find solutions.She said too many people were already suffering and would suffer if governments did not find solutions.
“If our government cares about all of us then they need to get on with the job of stopping any new coal, oil and gas projects, powering Australia with 100% renewable energy by no later than 2030, and doing all this while funding just transition and jobs for all fossil fuel workers and their communities so that no one is left behind.”“If our government cares about all of us then they need to get on with the job of stopping any new coal, oil and gas projects, powering Australia with 100% renewable energy by no later than 2030, and doing all this while funding just transition and jobs for all fossil fuel workers and their communities so that no one is left behind.”
Marlie Thomas, a Kamilaroi teenager from Gunnedah, said she was attending the rally on the authority of her elders, not the Department of Education.Marlie Thomas, a Kamilaroi teenager from Gunnedah, said she was attending the rally on the authority of her elders, not the Department of Education.
“I’ve had to help collect bottled water for our family in Walgett,” she said.“I’ve had to help collect bottled water for our family in Walgett,” she said.
Former federal MP and City of Sydney councillor Kerryn Phelps told Guardian Australia cities “need to play their part when it comes planning for the future and mitigating climate change”.Former federal MP and City of Sydney councillor Kerryn Phelps told Guardian Australia cities “need to play their part when it comes planning for the future and mitigating climate change”.
“That includes our own operations, working with businesses and residents, providing incentives to people to reduce their carbon footprint, to encourage active public transport, to encourage renewable sources of energy.“That includes our own operations, working with businesses and residents, providing incentives to people to reduce their carbon footprint, to encourage active public transport, to encourage renewable sources of energy.
“And because of the sheer size of the population, not only do they contribute so much to climate change risk but they also have the most, I think, to offer. Obviously we’ve got the agriculture sector, which needs to play its part, the transport sector, but individuals also can do so much themselves.”“And because of the sheer size of the population, not only do they contribute so much to climate change risk but they also have the most, I think, to offer. Obviously we’ve got the agriculture sector, which needs to play its part, the transport sector, but individuals also can do so much themselves.”
With the Australian strikes not even half over in many places, here’s what has happened so far:With the Australian strikes not even half over in many places, here’s what has happened so far:
Hundreds of thousands have participated in the largest climate strike across Australia yet: more than 100 locations, from capital cities to regional centres such as Alice Springs, Byron Bay and Katherine.Hundreds of thousands have participated in the largest climate strike across Australia yet: more than 100 locations, from capital cities to regional centres such as Alice Springs, Byron Bay and Katherine.
In Sydney and Melbourne crowds were estimated at 80,000 to 150,000 respectively, making them the biggest demonstrations since the Iraq war. In Tasmania 22,000 marchers made it the biggest strike action the state had ever seen.In Sydney and Melbourne crowds were estimated at 80,000 to 150,000 respectively, making them the biggest demonstrations since the Iraq war. In Tasmania 22,000 marchers made it the biggest strike action the state had ever seen.
As part of Guardian Australia’s coverage, the federal energy minister, the opposition energy spokesman and two of the country’s biggest energy companies took questions from students.As part of Guardian Australia’s coverage, the federal energy minister, the opposition energy spokesman and two of the country’s biggest energy companies took questions from students.
In Vanuatu, the deputy prime minister spoke directly to the US, Canada, Australia, Japan and New Zealand as countries “to blame for this threat to our survival”.In Vanuatu, the deputy prime minister spoke directly to the US, Canada, Australia, Japan and New Zealand as countries “to blame for this threat to our survival”.
Protests in the Solomon Islands, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong and many more also continued throughout the day.Protests in the Solomon Islands, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong and many more also continued throughout the day.
They’re marching in the Philippines, too.They’re marching in the Philippines, too.
HAPPENING NOW: March to J. Diokno Park, CHR, UP Diliman Complex pic.twitter.com/dqr1imYJcYHAPPENING NOW: March to J. Diokno Park, CHR, UP Diliman Complex pic.twitter.com/dqr1imYJcY
We have reached the Commission on Human Rights! Join us here. #ClimateStrike #ClimateStrikePH #ParaSaKlimabukasan pic.twitter.com/EkygPYxBd2We have reached the Commission on Human Rights! Join us here. #ClimateStrike #ClimateStrikePH #ParaSaKlimabukasan pic.twitter.com/EkygPYxBd2
Amazing #CoffsHarbour #ClimateStrike over 1400 people TRIPLE the March 15 #Schoolstrike4climate huge energy marching on Gumbaynggirr land for our kids future #ClimateJustice pic.twitter.com/Ffj17LgrGBAmazing #CoffsHarbour #ClimateStrike over 1400 people TRIPLE the March 15 #Schoolstrike4climate huge energy marching on Gumbaynggirr land for our kids future #ClimateJustice pic.twitter.com/Ffj17LgrGB
Justin McCurry in Japan writes:Justin McCurry in Japan writes:
Japan has suffered unseasonable, powerful and fatal storms in recent years that have also inflicted serious damage on its infrastructure. Last week’s typhoon was unusually strong, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power. The country has also been hit by record-breaking heatwaves – one last summer killed 65 people in a single week.Japan has suffered unseasonable, powerful and fatal storms in recent years that have also inflicted serious damage on its infrastructure. Last week’s typhoon was unusually strong, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power. The country has also been hit by record-breaking heatwaves – one last summer killed 65 people in a single week.
Japan’s government had planned to expand nuclear power in an effort to tackle carbon dioxide emissions, but the Fukushima disaster changed all that. Pressure is building to invest more in renewables as the government expands coal-fired power stations and imports of gas and oil to fill the energy gap left by the post-Fukushima closure of dozens of nuclear reactors.Japan’s government had planned to expand nuclear power in an effort to tackle carbon dioxide emissions, but the Fukushima disaster changed all that. Pressure is building to invest more in renewables as the government expands coal-fired power stations and imports of gas and oil to fill the energy gap left by the post-Fukushima closure of dozens of nuclear reactors.
Japan’s involvement in the climate strike has been low key. This Friday adults and children belonging to the Fridays for Future Tokyo movement will gather outside the United Nations University in central Tokyo at 5pm, make speeches and then march through the streets of the capital. Just over 100 people turned up in March; students at Japanese state schools were noticeably absent and I think that will be the case this Friday.Japan’s involvement in the climate strike has been low key. This Friday adults and children belonging to the Fridays for Future Tokyo movement will gather outside the United Nations University in central Tokyo at 5pm, make speeches and then march through the streets of the capital. Just over 100 people turned up in March; students at Japanese state schools were noticeably absent and I think that will be the case this Friday.
A few protests have begun in Japan, and one is scheduled for Tokyo at 5pm local time.A few protests have begun in Japan, and one is scheduled for Tokyo at 5pm local time.
It’s Friday morning in Japan. Climate strike in Hiroshima just started! Please follow us! @gretathunberg #fridayforfuture #climatestrike #globalstrikeforfuture #fridayforfuture #Hiroshima #prayformotherearth #strikewithus #気候マーチ #グローバルマーチ pic.twitter.com/nvMoL0bEeTIt’s Friday morning in Japan. Climate strike in Hiroshima just started! Please follow us! @gretathunberg #fridayforfuture #climatestrike #globalstrikeforfuture #fridayforfuture #Hiroshima #prayformotherearth #strikewithus #気候マーチ #グローバルマーチ pic.twitter.com/nvMoL0bEeT
I cannot stress enough that my favourite thing from today is students on the ground interviewing their fellow strikers.I cannot stress enough that my favourite thing from today is students on the ground interviewing their fellow strikers.
Here is Oscar Lander-McBride, 10, interviewing Zac, 13.Here is Oscar Lander-McBride, 10, interviewing Zac, 13.
Oscar interviews Zac who is losing his voice after leading the crowds in chants at the Brisbane #ClimateStrike. “It’s so great, chanting with all the other people for what we think is right”. pic.twitter.com/79pa58MUPHOscar interviews Zac who is losing his voice after leading the crowds in chants at the Brisbane #ClimateStrike. “It’s so great, chanting with all the other people for what we think is right”. pic.twitter.com/79pa58MUPH
And from earlier, Esther Plummer, 13, interviewing Jasper, 15.And from earlier, Esther Plummer, 13, interviewing Jasper, 15.
Esther Plummer (13 years old) interviews fellow climate strikerJasper (15 years old) about why he is attending the #ClimateStrike in Byron Bay. pic.twitter.com/YTrFpOJrC3Esther Plummer (13 years old) interviews fellow climate strikerJasper (15 years old) about why he is attending the #ClimateStrike in Byron Bay. pic.twitter.com/YTrFpOJrC3
There are more than 100,000 people in Melbourne, according to organisers.There are more than 100,000 people in Melbourne, according to organisers.
Melbourne 2:30pm #ClimateStrike pic.twitter.com/Av7WW09YxjMelbourne 2:30pm #ClimateStrike pic.twitter.com/Av7WW09Yxj
Ahead of today's #ClimateStrike, The Guardian asked some primary school kids what they think climate change is. pic.twitter.com/IY2QuwVVAbAhead of today's #ClimateStrike, The Guardian asked some primary school kids what they think climate change is. pic.twitter.com/IY2QuwVVAb
Video of the crowds at the Brisbane #ClimateStrike thanks to our reporter on the ground @BenSmee pic.twitter.com/ciVfFF6GWVVideo of the crowds at the Brisbane #ClimateStrike thanks to our reporter on the ground @BenSmee pic.twitter.com/ciVfFF6GWV
An aerial view of Melbourne, only 30 minutes in.An aerial view of Melbourne, only 30 minutes in.
#climatestrike just starting to build in #Melbourne, I'm sure we will see this build and build over the next hour. pic.twitter.com/lcjACJKRke#climatestrike just starting to build in #Melbourne, I'm sure we will see this build and build over the next hour. pic.twitter.com/lcjACJKRke
And here’s the march crossing Brisbane’s Victoria bridge:And here’s the march crossing Brisbane’s Victoria bridge:
Here they come. #ClimateStrike protesters making their way over the Victoria Bridge in Brisbane @abcnews @abcbrisbane pic.twitter.com/niGut3inN3Here they come. #ClimateStrike protesters making their way over the Victoria Bridge in Brisbane @abcnews @abcbrisbane pic.twitter.com/niGut3inN3
In Bali:In Bali:
In Singapore:In Singapore:
And in Brisbane who better to give a crowd estimate than Haemish Lander-McBride, 13, who has been to the past two strikes.And in Brisbane who better to give a crowd estimate than Haemish Lander-McBride, 13, who has been to the past two strikes.
“It’s massive in comparison to the other ones ... People aren’t just going to the first one – people are really coming again and again and again.”“It’s massive in comparison to the other ones ... People aren’t just going to the first one – people are really coming again and again and again.”
"It’s not something we’re gonna give up on" says 13-year-old Haemish Lander-McBride at the Brisbane #ClimateStrike pic.twitter.com/rsdzuew0WW"It’s not something we’re gonna give up on" says 13-year-old Haemish Lander-McBride at the Brisbane #ClimateStrike pic.twitter.com/rsdzuew0WW
And big crowds in Adelaide:And big crowds in Adelaide:
This is huge #ClimateStrike #Adelaide pic.twitter.com/TLJWS3ZRqYThis is huge #ClimateStrike #Adelaide pic.twitter.com/TLJWS3ZRqY
Incredible turnout in Adelaide for #ClimateStrike reminder: we’ve only got one shot. pic.twitter.com/w0NBUjZW5jIncredible turnout in Adelaide for #ClimateStrike reminder: we’ve only got one shot. pic.twitter.com/w0NBUjZW5j
An estimated 10,000 in Perth:An estimated 10,000 in Perth:
Absolutely incredible crowd of at least 10,000 people here in Perth for the #GlobalClimateStrike I’m blown away! #schoolstrike4climate pic.twitter.com/VWq6BHRaDmAbsolutely incredible crowd of at least 10,000 people here in Perth for the #GlobalClimateStrike I’m blown away! #schoolstrike4climate pic.twitter.com/VWq6BHRaDm