Thousands of climate change crusaders have descended on the streets of Melbourne to stage a massive ‘die in’ but are blocking streets and causing traffic chaos in the process.
Activist group Extinction Rebellion organised the rally in Melbourne at Victoria’s Parliament House on Friday to pressure the government to act on climate change.
The colourful activists flooded the streets from midday with crafty placards directed at freshly elected Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
But authorities are warning Melbourne residents of lengthy traffic delays due to road closures across the city.
Thousands of climate change crusaders have descended on the streets of Melbourne to stage a massive ‘die in’
Some protesters decided to dress up for the occasion, donning white face paint and black clothing to appear as a corpse
Activist group Extinction Rebellion organised the rally in Melbourne at Victoria’s Parliament House on Friday to pressure the government to act on climate change
A large banner, held by a group of girls who had skipped school, quoted Swedish schoolgirl Greta Thunberg who first urged students to strike for the climate
A statement from the rally organisers said: ‘The climate emergency is not a political issue, it is a scientific fact’.
‘Labor or Liberal, the environment does not care. The Government must take action on climate change NOW!’
Some protesters decided to dress up for the occasion, donning white face paint and black clothing to appear as a corpse.
Others clung to their posters which urged for immediate action on climate change, notably the use of fossil fuels.
‘Denial is death,’ one poster read.
‘Stop using fossil fuels or life as we know it will die,’ said another.
A large banner, held by a group of girls who had skipped school, quoted Swedish schoolgirl Greta Thunberg who first urged students to strike for the climate.
Protesters clung to their posters which urged for immediate action on climate change, notably the use of fossil fuels
A painting of newly elected Prime Minister Scott Morrison is seen being held from the crowd on Friday
A statement from the rally organisers said: ‘The climate emergency is not a political issue, it is a scientific fact’
‘Labor or Liberal, the environment does not care. The Government must take action on climate change NOW!’
‘I want you to act as if the house is on fire… because it is,’ the poster said.
Residents have been urged to be patient, plan ahead and allow extra time when travelling into Melbourne’s CBD on Friday.
‘A number of traffic management points will be in place with Bourke, Swanston, Collins and Flinders streets to be affected at various times from approximately 12pm until 3pm,’ Victoria Police said in a statement.
Police also stressed the importance of a peaceful protest.
‘Individuals have the right to lawfully attend events and protest, however we ask that people do so peacefully and respectfully without impacting on the rest of the community,’ they said.
Residents have been urged to be patient, plan ahead and allow extra time when travelling into Melbourne’s CBD on Friday due to traffic chaos
‘Stop using fossil fuels or life as we know it will die,’ said one poster displayed in Melbourne on Friday
‘Victoria Police will not tolerate those who break the law or engage in antisocial or violent behaviour.
‘As always, anyone coming to an event in Melbourne looking to disrupt others or create conflict and incite violence can expect a firm response from police.’
Spring Street and Bourke Street have been shut for the protest, Victoria Traffic said.
VicTraffic recommends travellers check transport updates as come bus replacements have been brought in due to the road closures.
Organisers expected at least 5,000 protectors to attend on Friday, which involves a demonstration of lying ‘dead’ to show the Earth’s sixth mass extinction.
The action coincides with the Global Climate Strike.
Extinction Rebellion has organised protests around the world including in Hungary and London, where demonstrators reportedly glued themselves to the ground.