10 October, 2019

Shore teens hit the streets for global climate strike

We asked Rangitoto Observer contributing photograher Keeley Watson, 18, for her perspective on the ground at the climate strikes. As a current Westlake Girls’ student, I have attended two of Auckland’s Climate Strike marches. The purpose of these strikes are to stand up for policy change around climate issues. At the rates we are currently at with our use of resources and contribution to pollution, we are heading towards a future filled with consequences. My generation and the ones to come will be greatly affected by this.

Because we are a young generation many of us do not yet have the opportunity to vote and have our say on environmental policies. So these strikes allow us to have a voice and be heard by the government. Having these protests on a school day (Friday) creates controversy, because our education is important to us and it is highly valued in our society. The significance of this is that it sends a stronger message to the government about how serious we feel about climate change issues and how change is desperately needed for the future of our Earth.

The atmosphere at the strikes I attended have had an overwhelming sense of fear, anger and hope. Fear for our future generations, anger towards the lack of attention and action, and hope as we unite together. Even though the strikes are a platform for students, there is great support from all generations. On Friday 27th of September, 3.5% of New Zealand’s population (approximately 170,000) protested at their local strike. With these strikes occurring globally, these numbers in New Zealand are inspiring and difficult to ignore.

This article originally appeared in the October 11 edition of the Rangitoto Observer.