Why were school kids protesting about climate change?

Thousands of school children abandoned school on Friday 15 February to protest for action against climate change.

Around 15,000 students, according to the organisers of Youth Strike 4 Climate, walked out into the streets to object against the government, demanding action and a declaration of climate emergency.

Climate change is a significant variation in global and regional weather patterns, specifically a change in the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Climate change has been an ongoing global problem for years, affecting many aspects in the world. Weather is affected, for example, as well as wildlife, meaning this continuing issue needs to be tackled, and fast, and many people across the UK agree.

The protests were countrywide, with the largest marches happening in cities such as London and Oxford.

The movement started with a Swedish student, Greta Thunberg, 15, who decided to abandon her classes and begin to protest outside of the local government buildings. The reason? Accusations of her country not following the ‘Paris Climate Change’.

Children from schools in Nottingham, such as Trent College and Rushcliffe School, took part in the protest, using signs and banners.

In my opinion, special care should be taken to educate the younger generations in climate change and how they can become active in helping to reduce it.

Climate change can be seen as a ‘boring’ topic to discuss, especially amongst children and young people, however it is so important for all ages to know the consequences and effects. It is a topic that should not be pushed aside, it’s a topic that definitely needs to be attempted sooner rather than later.

In general, it’s an issue that should be creating more of a fear in people, because whilst some efforts have been made to reduce the amount of CO2 in the air, for example, some people take public transport or walk instead of using their personal vehicles, not enough effort is being made.

Children of the future need to know what it is happening and why; they need to be taking an interest in social topics like this. It not only shows that all members of society are interested in making a difference but it shows a level of maturity in students that many adults may disregard and ignore.

As a child, I knew the basics of climate change, but I didn’t know much. The marches and protests from last Friday show that children want to be more involved in decisions made by the government. It demonstrates how we need to teach and learn them about established subjects that happen not just nationally but globally too.

It must be questioned as to whether children as young as 11 and 12 can make logical decisions on serious topics like climate change and I, for one, must agree and say yes they can – it is so refreshing to see children taking thoughtful interests on issues that will affect them now and in the future. It proves that this is not a topic that only adults must deal with.

By Jasmin Bodman