Thousands of students skip school to join climate change protest

Thousands of students and teachers across Australia have ditched school to rally against climate change in the School Strike 4 Climate march on Friday.

Multiple streets in Sydney’s CBD have been shut due to the mass of people who have gathered in the city for the cause. 

Transport Management Centre has warned commuters of street closures and bus route diversions saying roads will be closed from 1pm to 3pm. 

Park St, George St, Elizabeth St, Castlereagh St, Pitt St, and Druitt St will remain closed for the protests.

The global protest, inspired by young activist Greta Thunberg in Sweden, aims to encourage politicians to do more to reduce fossil fuel emissions. 

The students have three demands: stop the Adani coal mine in central Queensland, no new coal or gas, and 100 per cent renewables by 2030. 

Hundreds of school children descended on Sydney’s CBD to encourage politicians to do more to reduce fossil fuel emissions

A young boy holds up a sign that reads ‘I’m missing my science class for this.’ The protest has drawn criticism from right-wing politicians who say students should stay in school

Colourful poster boards and signage have hit out at Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who has been criticised for not taking action on the issue.   

‘I think it’s really important to show our views in what needs to be changed. We need to gather a big audience,’ high school student Adele told Daily Mail Australia. 

Nine-year-old Lachlan said he felt ‘disappointed’ by Mr Morrison and said he would vote the prime minister out if he was of age.   

The protest has been largely criticised by right-wing politicians who say the cause is not worth skipping out on day’s worth of education.

But some students admitted their teachers are supporting the cause and even encouraged them to take part in the action. 

‘My science teacher [supported my choice]. I have a test today but she told me to come’ Burwood Girls High School Year 9 students Jessica, Renee and Kayla said.

Mr Latham – One Nation’s New South Wales leader – told Daily Mail Australia young people skipping class on Friday for the School Strike 4 Climate march are limiting their career pursuits. 

Mr Latham said he does not dispute the students’ knowledge on climate change, but fears they are being politicised and used by ‘left-wing activism’. 

‘School is compulsory,’ Mr Latham said while questioning why the protest is not held on Saturday or Sunday. 

‘I’m afraid Friday is a day lost in the classroom.’ 

Students should be spending their time in class working hard, Mr Latham said.   

‘There are no careers in becoming a climate change protester,’ he said.

‘You can get a job by studying hard and getting your qualifications, going onto Tafe and university, so I always say, I told my kids to put their head down and study hard.’

‘These students are distracted by left-wing activists.’