National School Strike supporting Climate

The strikes have been arranged across the country is support of reducing climate impacts.  This coincides with a snub to the Australian Prime Minister who has not received an invitation to speak to the United Nations when 81 other countries have. There is another story there. The Thunberg movement within Australia is asking the Federal Government for:

• No new coal, oil or gas projects
• 100 per cent renewable energy generation and exports by 2030
• Funding for “a just transition and job creation for all fossil-fuel industry workers and communities”

Analysts have commented that some students have been placed in a quandary as a result of the conflict with exams. It is difficult choosing between a cause that is helping the planet and their future. Wonthaggi student Harry Hunt was faced with the decision to attend school. He was finally influenced by the Teachers union who have thrown their support behind the school climate strike.

I phoned the Victorian branch of the Australian Education Union and they explained that support of Greta and the strike was a national initiative. “Students from around the world are working together to demand action,” said Meredith Peace president of the Australian Education Union in Victoria. The question was a result of encountering a voice message at Wonthaggi school when I reported my son absent.

The Australian Education Union in Victoria supports students and teachers, principals, and support staff attending climate strikes around the state today. Millions of student climate strikers from 150 countries around the world will leave their classrooms and workplaces to call on politicians to act on the climate crisis. “Young people will bear the brunt of the climate crisis.

This is about their future and the AEU supports students and educators who take action today.  “Teachers and principals put student welfare first. Many members have told us they want to stand side by side with students who are striking and we fully support and commend members who are choosing to do that or to support their students in other ways.  “This is the defining issue of their generation and the biggest threat to human life and health of our time. The Morrison Government needs to listen and act now,” said Ms Peace.