Global student protests demanding climate action get underway

The international student strike will see classrooms empty from Boston to Bogota, Dhaka to Durban and Lagos to London

It was inspired by Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg, who camped out in front Stockholm’s parliament last year demanding action from world leaders

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Youg people from schools across Sydney rally in front of the city’s Town Hall demanding climate action. Photo: EPA

Published: 4:11pm, 15 Mar 2019Updated: 5:15pm, 15 Mar 2019

A global day of student protests aimed at spurring world leaders into action on climate change to protect the planet for future generations kicked off in Australia and New Zealand on Friday.

Thousands of young people marched in Wellington carrying placards reading “Time’s Melting Away” and “Act Now or Swim” as part of an ambitious plan to stage 1,000 demonstrations in more than 100 countries during a worldwide day of action.

Schoolchildren march through Adelaide demanding urgent political action on climate change. Photo: EPA

Thousands more gathered in Sydney, demanding the conservative government do more to curb the use of fossil fuels.

The international student strike will see classrooms empty in cities across the globe, from Boston to Bogota, Dhaka to Durban and Lagos to London.

“This is young people taking the reins and realising that they do have people power, that’s really awesome,” said Abigail O’Regan, 20, in the New Zealand capital.