Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, at 16 years of age, has united and inspired people all over the globe: 5225 events have been organised in 156 countries across all seven continents for the climate strike movement.
For those in Melbourne, it came to fruition on a 26 degree Friday afternoon in September. Our City Journal reporters, Ayden Dawkins and Siri Smith, were on the ground for this afternoons climate strike, beginning at Melbourne’s Treasury Gardens.
Despite the official starting point being the Treasury Gardens, protesters have gathered further up Spring street.
People gather on the steps of parliament for the #ClimateStrike #Melbourne pic.twitter.com/v1MZKhbeJ7
— Siri Smith⭐️ (@yeahsiri) September 20, 2019
Inspired by 16-year-old Swedish environmentalist, people of all ages are uniting in protest.
A wide cross section of the community is gathering as protestors stream in from all dirrections. #ClimateStrike pic.twitter.com/X9HNdCwMKw
— ayden dawkins (@AydenDawkins) September 20, 2019
The masses moved early, leaving Victorian State Parliament to join fellow protestors in the Treasury Gardens.
Melbournians moving down Spring St for the #ClimateStrike #Melbourne pic.twitter.com/9C2Ko1vYY7
— Siri Smith⭐️ (@yeahsiri) September 20, 2019
We will be here to stop them, when the trucks come rolling in, they sang.
A choir sing on Spring St, for #ClimateStrike #Melbourne pic.twitter.com/zyGZldJJyo
— Siri Smith⭐️ (@yeahsiri) September 20, 2019
Organisers of Melbourne’s climate strike have told The Guardian there are more than 100,000 people in attendance however Ayden Dawkins reports more than 150,000 are protesting.
The younger generation got creative with their protest signage.
Melbourne #ClimateStrike pic.twitter.com/abggEXZuCz
— James M. (@dotrat) September 20, 2019
True to their word, organisers of the event began their move down Collins street puntuall at 3:00pm.
The crowd is turning. Looks like the match is underway. #ClimateStrike #Melbourne pic.twitter.com/9Qt5td1VC9
— ayden dawkins (@AydenDawkins) September 20, 2019
For some, it was not business as usual. Workplaces across the state closed their doors today in favour of joining protesters in Melbourne’s central business district.
If you’re trying to reach us this afternoon, we’re sorry to miss you but this is #notbusinessasusual.
This afternoon #KearneyGroup will close doors as our team joins in global #ClimateStrike action in #Melbourne.
Thanks for understanding. See you next week.#climate #strike
— Kearney Group (@KearneyGroup) September 20, 2019
Not all Melbournians, however, are enthused by Friday’s protests:
Any danger the unwashed, attending the #climatestrike protests today, pick up litter along the way? Make yourselves useful, besides blocking cars, with running engines. The planet, thanks you …
Geez, do I have to think of everything for you Grinch #auspol https://t.co/LarWZJSwNy
— Senator Papahatzhiharalambrous (@taki_n_thepis_s) September 20, 2019
The ABC reported more than 22,000 people showed up in Hobart – possibly the largest protest in the city’s history.
In Perth, the senator for Western Australia Jordan Steele-John said there were more than 10,000 climate protesters in Perth.
Police confirmed at least 50,000 people attended Sydeny’s climate strike, with the potential for 80,000 to arrive said Sydeny Morning Herald’s Jenny Noyes.
Brisbane has exceeded 10,000 climate strikers said The Guardian’s Ben Smee.
Other protests have begun around the globe, including in the Phillipines and in Japan.
