NEWTOWN: A large and diverse group of Newtown and inner-west residents concerned about climate inaction gathered on August 22 at the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre.
The atmosphere was enthusiastic as people put up their hands to paint banners, print and distribute leaflets, put up posters and chalk footpaths in the lead up to the Global Climate Strike in Sydney on September 20 at the Domain, just three days before the United Nations’ Emergency Climate Summit in New York.
The group is urging people, young and old, to strike or take the day off work.
Strikers are calling for:
- No new coal, oil and gas projects in Australia including the Adani mine.
- 100 per cent renewable-energy generation and exports by 2030.
- Funding for job creation and a just transition for all fossil fuel industry workers.
Ambrose Hayes, a student from the School Strike 4 Climate said, “We kicked off with a strike of 150,000 people across Australia in March this year to demand that the government of the day protect the health of all Australians by responding to these requests.”
The school strikes are growing in number, he says, and are not going to stop.
“It’s our future! It’s being stolen. We won’t even get a say if we don’t break the current mould of entrenched corporate and government self-interest.
“We all know why we are doing this. Things are bad and getting worse.”
The school-aged strikers are calling responsible global citizens of all ages to unite and be at the Domain at 12 noon on September 20.
Gillian Ambrose from the Stop Adani group said she believes Sydneysiders will come out for a cause – and that the “approaching Armageddon and extinction” is a cause worth coming out for.
Environmental groups around the country, including Get Up and Extinction Rebellion, are in active support, and musicians are pledging a “Sound Strike”.
Twenty-six unions, including several nursing and teachers federations and the Maritime Union of Australia, are already on board. The NSW and ACT Synod of the Uniting Church, whose schools teach 10,000 students, has endorsed the strike and is encouraging its 8,000 staff and 50,000 members to attend.
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To get involved see www.schoolstrike4climate.com, www.stopadani.com, www.globalclimatestrike.net. Redfern Climate Strike Night is Friday September 6, 6pm at the Martian Embassy (176 Redfern Street), see www.facebook.com/events/2581886931867331/.
