Youth Strikers call for everyone to take to the streets ahead of largest ever global climate strike on September 20th
- On 20 September over 150 demonstrations are planned in the UK from Cornwall to Scotland, joining more than 2500 worldwide.
- More than 80 campaign groups and NGOs sign statement in support of the strike.
- Six in 10 (61%) people across the UK believe it is essential that we all stand together to support the youth climate strikers and to drive climate action.
- Three quarters (74%) believe that the recent climate protests and strikes have increased public awareness about climate change to drive urgent action.
- Six in 10 (60%) have no confidence in Government’s willingness to tackle climate change.
On the 20th September, the UK Student Climate Network (UKSCN) is coordinating over 150 demonstrations across the UK as part of the largest ever Global Climate Strike. For the first time since the demonstrations began in February, UKSCN is calling on parents, businesses, working people and politicians alike to get behind the strikers and demand urgent action on the climate crisis.
Standing alongside the UKSCN are organisations such as the National Pensioners Convention, Greenpeace UK, RSPB, Christian Aid, Amnesty UK, Black Lives Matter UK, Friends of the Earth and many more.
Support for strike action on climate change is strong, with 61% of people saying it is essential that we all now stand together and support the youth climate strikers. In addition, an even larger majority (74%) credits the recent climate protests and strikes for boosting public awareness of the climate crisis and half (49%) believe that striking is an effective way to put pressure on the government to take climate action.
Commenting on the strike, Jessica Ahmed (16) of the UK Student Climate Network says: “The government’s failure to tackle climate change and implement effective policies can’t be ignored anymore. On September 20th, millions of people will be taking action globally, demanding change and policies that will protect our future, such as a Green New Deal.
“Instead of focusing all their energy on Brexit, we desperately need our politicians to put their time, resources and money towards dealing with the worsening climate emergency. Time is running out.”
Those concerned about the crisis are looking to the youth strikers to lead the way, admitting that they have the power to radically shift public opinion as 59% now say that youth climate strikers have ensured that climate change is now firmly on the national agenda. A similarly high majority (58%) also say they would support their own child or grandchild if they wanted to join the strikes for climate action.
Whilst the public clearly support the strikers, recent polling shows the public do not think the current government can tackle the climate crisis.
Six in 10 now say they have no confidence in the UK Government’s willingness to tackle climate change and three quarters (74%) say that they believe the UK Government cares more about delivering Brexit than combating climate change. Meanwhile, more than half (51%) are now saying climate change policy will be a major factor in the way they vote in the next general election; this factor is especially crucial for 18-24yr olds where the figure rises to 68%.
The research from UKSCN also reveals how the vast majority (82%) of the British public believe the UK government needs to look at climate change differently, viewing climate action as an opportunity, not just a cost.
There is also significant support for a ‘Green New Deal’ and a range of straight-forward steps towards combating the climate crisis, such as:
- Over eight in 10 (83%) believe the UK needs to build a sustainable, green economy.
- Three quarters (72%) are calling on the government to prioritise creating jobs in the green sector.
- 86% think we need to invest more in renewable energy, energy efficiency and insulation.
- 60% support the creation of a national Green Bank to fund green infrastructure projects.
University and College Union general secretary Jo Grady comments: “The work done by school children across the globe to highlight the climate emergency has been inspirational and it is now time for the rest of us to catch up.
“Climate change is a massive issue for all of us, particularly trade unions. How we tackle climate change will be central to the British economy in the 21st century and we have to get it right.”
Anna French, parent of two and going on strike, said: “Seeing the children take to the streets, I felt a great sense of shame that we have left this problem to them.
“We have a responsibility to do everything we can to help secure them a safe future. I am taking action now so I can look at my children in the eyes and know I did all I could.”
John Sauven, executive director at Greenpeace UK said: “Older generations were typically expected to blaze a trail for the younger. But as the climate emergency still rages on and older generations have failed, it’s the kids whose voice we now need to heed.
“They’re asking us to join them as they hit the street once again on September 20th. The question for adults today is – when your children and grandchildren ask if you stood with the schools strikers will you be able to say you were there?”
We’re in the midst of a crisis. Our economic system, the relentless burning of fossil fuels and extraction of resources has pushed us to the brink of irreversible disaster.
The scientific warnings could not be clearer and the evidence of these impacts is unfolding around the world, disproportionately affecting those that have contributed least to the crisis. As the government continues to fail to take action, wildfires, droughts, severe flooding, tropical storms and cyclones are devastating communities with increasing severity.
The pursuit of growth at all costs and continuous profit-seeking has had little regard for the majority of people or nature, nor the land, water or air we all rely upon. Those who have historically done least to cause the climate crisis, remain on the frontline of its impacts and continue to suffer first and worst.
Climate breakdown and the destruction of the natural world is the greatest challenge humanity has ever faced. Such a challenge requires a solution equally great to meet it head on. To emerge from the climate crisis requires bold thinking that moves beyond what has been previously thought possible and into what is necessary.
We’re at a critical point in human history. We require concerted, organised and mass action immediately. Collectively we must force our elected representatives and those in positions of power to act with the urgency and ambition to implement the solutions to the climate crisis and social and economic injustices. We must take to the streets to show the power and passion of our movement.
Our solutions must be grounded in climate justice. Our solutions must reshape our world and reorient our economies and societies along environmental and social principles.
We demand justice, equity, clean air, water, land and a future. We demand a rapid elimination of emissions as soon as possible, in a way that’s fair for all. We want a Green New Deal. We want to see our views and voices heard in the halls of power, we want action now!
EDINBURGH GLOBAL CLIMATE STRIKE
We will march from the bottom of Middle Meadow Walk down to parliament. At parliament we will rally hear speeches and play music.
We ask that all people join us for this general strike the climate crisis is no longer an issue that will effect young people it will effect us all.
So on the 20th of September we ask people of all ages and backgrounds to stand together to face this climate and ecological crisis.
Gather at eleven at the bottom of Middle Meadow Walk – set off at eleven thirty
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