New Zealand’s academics, teachers back students’ climate strike
The New Zealander educators signed a letter of support for the March 15 strikes, saying taking action is crucial for the wellbeing and survival of current and future generations.
“We would like to thank striking students for their leadership, and commitment to building a different world based on climate justice,” the letter read, radionz.co.nz wrote.
“Creating a future that does not rely on fossil fuels is going to take bravery and imagination and we are heartened by what we are seeing from young people.
“The striking students are learning practical lessons about an issue that will confront them throughout their lifetimes, as citizens, as future scientists, and as members of the global community.”
Victoria University lecturer Dr. Amanda Thomas said New Zealand needed to act now because the science was clear on climate change.
“My motivation is that I know the facts about climate change, I know how urgent action is, so I really respect their leadership and want to show my support for that,” Thomas said.
“It’s about showing support for their leadership and their demand for a future that’s about climate justice, not about disastrous climate change.”
Critics of the planned strike action have said students should remain in school, learn, and not break the law.
But Thomas said the strike was a great opportunity for practical lessons.
“I think this is a fabulous educational opportunity,” she said.
“We often talk about the needs of civics education in this country, and so this is a chance for students to practice that.
“We know the way to build good democratic citizens is for them to practice being citizens, so this is a way for students to learn how to be good responsible citizens in this country.”
The letter, which is still open to signatories until Tuesday, will be sent to the country’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Minister for Climate Change James Shaw, Minister for Education Chris Hipkins, Minister for Children Tracey Martin, and the Secondary Principals’ Association.