5 reasons you should attend the May 21 Climate Strike

By Izzy C from School Strike for Climate

5. It's a turnout they can’t ignore

On September 20 in 2019, the School Strike for Climate drew crowds of over 300,000 to the streets. It was a turning point for students. It showed there's power in numbers and, more importantly, power in unity. This time around, we hope to bring in (COVID-safe) crowds and reignite the passion, not the coal, of that first Strike.

4. It’s open to all

As someone who is organising the School Strike event in Brisbane, accessibility is at the forefront of the team’s mind. This strike to open to all Aussies and if you can’t make it IRL, we’ll also be live-streaming the event on our social media pages.

And it’s not just open to students. Businesses from all over Australia (including Bank Australia!) have endorsed and supported this event and will be attending on the day. The faces in the crowd are people who may share the same beliefs and principles as you and the people in your workplace. So come and join us!

3. This is a real issue hitting us in our own backyard

The same people who were affected by bushfires in 2020 are now being hit with flash flooding.

My grandfather, who lives in Port Macquarie, is one of them. The climate emergencies he's faced reminds me that this issue isn't going to change without real action. As stated in one of my favourite climate change placards: ‘The climate is changing and so should we!'

2. A future powered by clean energy

Gas, like coal, is still a big emitter of greenhouse gases, one of the biggest causes of climate change and the plan to prioritise that industry means that Australia misses the goal of zero emissions.

It's important that the public know that they have the power to decide - whether it's from the streets or at the voting booth.

1. We only have three demands!

The School Strike 4 Climate movement in Australia only have three demands for the Government.

1. No new coal, oil and gas projects, including the Adani mine.
   
   
2. The creation of jobs that would fast-track solutions to the climate crisis and fund a just transition for fossil fuel workers and communities
   
   
3. Projects that transition our economy and communities to 100% renewable energy by 2030, through expanded public ownership.

On May 21st, I, alongside my fellow students from School Strike 4 Climate and people from businesses all over Australia (including Bank Australia!), will be striking to tell the Government that Australia’s future should be invested in clean fuel, clean jobs and a cleaner future.

Find out where your local Strike is and join us!