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Young people in Bristol to strike over climate change again
Exactly a month after young people created a storm with their global action on climate change, they are turning out to demonstrate again.
Hundreds are expected to gather on College Green from 11am on Friday morning to protest the government’s inaction on the climate emergency – and organisers promise that this time will be even bigger and louder than before.
Last month’s action saw hundreds of schoolchildren gather on College Green
“Climate change has always been an incredibly important issue for me,” says Katie Hodgetts, a student and one of the organisers.
is needed now More than ever
“But for my entire life, I have watched past and present governments act in a way that jeopardises my right to a healthy and fair future. How can we be so aware of the crisis we face, yet fracking is still being pushed?
“We are still giving millions in oil & gas ‘development aid’ each year? Why aren’t we passing enough legislation to meet our climate commitments?
“These hypocrisies have led young people to take matters into their own hands. It is us, the young people, who will have our lives altered by the climate breakdown, yet decisions are being taken without us in mind.
“This gross transgression of democracy has galvanised young people in to action. We are fearful of our futures, and we are fearful of leaving it in the hands of individuals who prioritise profit and fossil fuels over people and justice.
“So, we are joining over 80 countries in demanding change on March 15. We hope for the support of parents, teachers and politicians alike. Because time is running out.”
Once again, Friday’s planned protest will be part of a global day of action
Last month’s day of action saw hundreds of schoolchildren gather on College Green with placards to make their voices heard.
The Facebook event page for Friday’s strike has some 1,600 people interested in attending and organisers are urging protesters to bring friends, parents, grandparents and dogs, and “be part of this moment in history”.
Bristol’s Green group of councillors has welcomed the planned demonstration.
“Political leaders need to take notice of the huge numbers of passionate young people who are protesting,” says Fi Hance, a Green councillor for Redland.
“We could all learn a lesson in urgency from these students. The fact of the matter is business – and politics – as usual just cannot continue if we are to avoid disaster on a global scale.”
Young people are making their voices heard on climate change
As part of the Global Youth Strike 4 Climate movement, there will be demonstrations taking place all around the world. The UK Student Climate Network is coordinating demonstrations in this country.
The organisation has four further demands that include lowering the voting age to 16, declaring a national climate emergency, reforming the national curriculum to making climate change a priority and the government committing to communicating the crisis to the general public.
Friday’s demonstration is due to take place at College Green from 11am to 1pm. For further information, visit: www.facebook.com/events/585299771964211/
Read more: Hundreds of Bristol schoolchildren ‘strike’ over climate change
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