Hundreds of passionate locals took to the streets on Friday to participate in a global strike against climate change.
The Shepparton section of the rally was organised by 15-year-old Wanganui Park Secondary College student, Emily Minotti-Watson and saw participants embark on a grand march through the Maude Street Mall, chanting and ensuring their voices were heard.
“Children like me are giving up our education and standing here today because the adults of this world aren’t smart enough to do it themselves,” Ms Minotti-Watson said, speaking to a mixed group of students and adults. Her words were met with rapturous applause.
The student climate strike is part of a wider climate strike, which saw millions of people march in streets in cities across the globe, three days ahead of the UN Emergency Climate Summit in New York.
“You tell me that climate change is a cycle, that it is natural. But the temperature is changing 10 times faster than it has in the past 65 million years,” Ms Minotti-Watson continued. “Atmospheric CO2 is increasing at a dramatic and unprecedented rate which will only speed the rising temperature and make it less likely to dodge the extinction of the human race.”
The strike calls for all forms of government to take climate change seriously, with Emily addressing a notably absent Greater Shepparton City Council at the rally.
“To our councillors, do not let your denial or your desire to win approval from climate deniers destroy our future,” Ms Minotti-Watson said.
Following her inspirational speech, the audience heard from 22-year-old Shepparton ACE College student, Zak Donaldson, who said it was now up to the government and industry leaders to work towards a clean future.
“I, like many others, fear that if change isn’t made it will be too late and that the choices made by those in power today will devastate generations to come,” Mr Donaldson said.
Next, the audience heard from 17-year-old former Violet Town student, Asha-Mae Chapman-Ralph, who reflected on her own experience witnessing climate change on her doorstep.
“We have seen our family’s dams dry up and our animals starve – we have to break the cycle of denial that has been built up,” she said.
The youngest speaker on the day came was 12-year-old Bourchier Street Primary School student, Bonnie, who bravely spoke of her concern for the environment.
“I understand that climate change is something that is threatening our planet and the lives of all plants and animals that live here. As a 12-year-old, I get it, why don’t the leaders of the country?” Bonnie said.
“I have a feeling that the impacts of climate change are not yet scaring world leaders enough. They are still more concerned about making money for the here and now. But what about us? What will be left for me to make a living from?”
Rounding out the speeches was a fiery talk from committee member for the Goulburn Valley Environment Group, Louise Costa, who criticised local councillors and the government for their lack of action when it comes to climate change.
“Glaciers are melting, seas are rising and politicians are not panicking. Shame on you Australia – climate change is a science and not a religion,” Ms Costa said.
Following the speeches, the crowd started marching around the block, chanting to the sound of drums for their future.
