Strike aims to highlight climate

More than 80 school and university students are set to rally in Anzac Park tomorrow when they go on strike in the name of climate change.

The strike will form part of a nationwide movement organised by School Strike 4 Climate with more than 10,000 students across Australia set to walk out of school at 10am in a statement to the government something has to be done.

Bunbury strike organiser Lachlan Kelly said he started organising the strike after he realised how much of an effect climate change was having on the South West.

“I thought to myself there should really be a strike in Bunbury,” he said.

“I think it will be good for the community and the young people of Bunbury to get their thoughts out on these issues... things like bird migrations, mortality rates of native species and bushfires.”

The Bunbury Regional Community College Year 12 student has been helped in his efforts by local community advocate Bella Burgemeister and together they have placed posters at nearly every bus stop in the Bunbury area in a bid to gain as much exposure as possible.

The School Strike 4 Climate initiative has gained traction online recently with more than 19,000 likes on the campaign Facebook page and many heated comments from advocates on both sides of the climate change debate.

According to Lachlan, the goal of the strike will be to get the attention of local dignitaries such as Forrest MHR Nola Marino and urge them to take action against climate change.

“I think we’re definitely going to get a response,” he said.

“There’s going to be a PA with speeches and an open mic section where people can come up and share their thoughts.

“We’ve had a lot of support from students, but I haven’t heard a lot from the schools.”

Department of Education public schools deputy director general Stephen Baxter said the strike would provide a relevant teaching opportunity as part of a real learning experience but the department did not condone attendance.

“We’re encouraged that young people take great interest in these topics,” he said.

“Of course, if kids aren’t in schools, we can’t teach them and they’ll be marked as absent.”

The strike will begin at 10am tomorrow and conclude at 12pm.