Students from 50 separate locations from around Australia joined the Strike 4 Climate rally, voicing concerns about climate change, anger at their elders for doing little about it and demands for future action.

This group of young people represents a generation that has grown up with an acceptance of the science, and a clear understanding of the threat posed by climate change. They have clear demands, which include stopping the Adani coalmine, no new fossil fuel projects and 100 per cent renewables by 2030.

There will be no doubt that certain sections of the media and politics will condemn the striking students as being irresponsible layabouts, destined for the dole cue. Accusing students who strike for climate action as irresponsible is a monstrous irony, considering the irresponsible approach taken by Government and sections of the media in the past 12 years on this issue.

During this time our politicians, vested interests in fossil fuels, and sections of the media have engaged in climate change denial, spreading of false information, ignoring the science and using climate change as a political tool. Anything but recognising the science and actually tackling the problem in a realistic and effective manner.

Our young people have been on the sidelines all this time, and have witnessed the climate change charade played out by their supposed elders and betters year after year. They cannot be blamed for being fed up with such irresponsible behaviour, to finally resort to the only power they have. Withdrawal of labour. As adults we should be ashamed that our behaviour and that of our elected representatives has led to this.

Detractors will also claim that the strike will have little effect because the strikers are only kids, and kids can’t vote. 

The children’s strike will have the effect of moving public opinion more in that direction. Most students will have taken action with the full support of their parents, who vote. Maybe the threat of losing their jobs will galvanise our politicians into real action.