Students to protest for action on climate change from government

STUDENTS at Coláiste Craobh Abhann in Kilcoole and North Wicklow Educate Together in Bray are among those at nine schools calling on their fellow students across Ireland to engage in a mass protest during the school day on Friday, March 15, to demand action from the government on climate change.

Inspired by a rapidly growing movement of young climate activists around the world – and in particular by Swedish 16-year-old Greta Thunberg’s call for action – students are planning protests to highlight the dangers posed by the failure of adults to address climate change.

The students plan to hold a variety of actions on the day, the nature of which will be decided by students in the coming weeks.

They will meet up with students from other schools to make plans together.

Possible actions include striking outside their school gates, the Dáil and local government buildings around the country.

In doing so, secondary students in Ireland will be joining other young people around the world in a global ‘School Strike for Climate Action’ on the same day.

Joni Morris, a second year student at NWETSS, said, ‘By taking part in the Student Climate Strike we will be bringing an idea from conception to reality and taking action to safeguard and promote our well-being and that of others.’

Pádraig Conaty, deputy principal at NWETSS, said: ‘In tackling climate action, students are activating key skills, engaging with global issues, and learning to become active citizens. Active citizenship and providing a real and meaningful platform for student voice is a cornerstone of our school.’

A twitter account @PulltheBrakes has been set up as an initial means of communication.

A student-built website will follow shortly once students have had time to meet and plan.