Australia: Students protest climate change inaction in major urban centers September 20

Event

Around 300,000 protesters, mostly students, gathered nationwide to protest perceived government inaction on climate change on Friday, September 20. Up to 110 "School strike 4 climate" rallies had been planned across the country as part of a day of worldwide demonstrations calling for environmental action ahead of the United Nation Emergency Climate Summit in New York on Monday, September 23.

According to organizers, 80,000 protesters gathered in Sydney around 12:00 (local time) at the Domain Park. In Canberra, 15,000 protesters gathered in Glebe Park at 12:00, before marching just after 13:00 through the city and back. In Melbourne, 100,000 protesters gathered between 12:00 and 16:00 at Treasury garden.

Rallies are largely peaceful. Localized transportation disruptions are likely in the vicinity of any demonstration.

Context

The demonstrations, under the "Youth Strike 4 Climate" banner, are part of an international movement to demand more effective government action on climate change issues. Australian organizers are demanding that the country adopts 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030, no new investment in coal or gas, and the stopping of the Adani coal mine.

Advice

Individuals in Australia are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate crowds, localized disruptions, and a heightened security presence near demonstrations, and avoid all public or political demonstrations as a precaution.