Ahead of Friday’s global Climate Strike, leading child rights organisation Save the Children is urging the Australian Government to heed the message of Australia’s young people.
“It is more important than ever to listen to and act on the voices of children,” Save the Children Australia CEO Paul Ronalds said.
“Save the Children stands side-by-side with children and young people across Australia, and throughout the world, taking a stand on climate change.
“It is today’s children who will suffer the consequences of climate change if we don’t act now. Children are deeply worried about the impact of climate change, and they want to see real action from their leaders.
“In a world run by adults, taking to the streets is one of the only ways young people can voice their opinions and be heard. We certainly support young people exercising their democratic right to demonstrate and to voice their opinions.”
Save the Children Australia is working across Asia and the Pacific to help communities prepare for the impacts of climate change, including the increasing intensity and frequency of severe weather events.
“The climate crisis means the world’s most deprived and marginalised children and their communities are facing more severe and deadly natural disasters than ever,” Mr Ronalds said.
“Not only does climate change exacerbate crises and conflict, but it also intensifies displacement and migration.
“It is inspiring to see young people like Greta Thunberg directly addressing some of the world’s most powerful leaders, speaking at the world’s biggest forums and galvanizing a global movement to demand action on climate change.
“I know a lot of teachers and a lot of parents are very proud of their kids for speaking out and demanding action by government, business and the broader community.”
More than 1.5 million people took part in the global Climate Strike in March, with even bigger crowds expected this time around. Protests have been planned in over 120 countries around the world and at least 100 sites in Australia, including all capital cities and dozens of rural centres.
Save the Children is a leading child rights organisation that seeks to campaign for and with children, including on the issue of climate change.
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