This Friday (15 February), school pupils across the UK are set to strike from school, addressing the current climate change issue.
Students around the world have been walking out of classes to protest, and draw attention to the growing concerns about the environment.
CLIMATE CHANGE
It’s estimated that globally 270 towns and cities are taking part, with 70,000 school pupils walking out of class each week.
The protests are set to reach the UK this week, with students across the country preparing to take part.
#SchoolStrike4Climate #FridaysForFuture Edinburgh week 5 outside @ScotParl this morning!
42% population, 100% future! #Gretathunberg pic.twitter.com/qg2kMPaFbs— Extinction Rebellion Scotland (@ScotlandXr) February 8, 2019
The strikes come after a report last year revealed that we only have 12 years left to avoid catastrophic climate change: if steps are not taken to improve the environment before then, the effects of pollution will have an irreversible impact.
CAMPAIGN
The movement originally began in August last year, after Swedish school pupil, Greta Thunberg sat outside the Swedish parliament every day last summer in the run up to the Swedish general election, in a solo strike against climate change.
Since, thousands have joined her in the fight against climate change, in the hope that politicians around the world will take the necessary steps to reduce their country’s carbon footprint, before it’s too late.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BrAh0RXgRAd/
Protests are planned in at least five towns and cities in Scotland, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, with demonstrations planned outside the Scottish Parliament and Glasgow City Chambers.
Currently, 38 locations throughout the UK have demonstrations planned, with the list ever-growing.
SUPPORT
The head teacher’s union has given it’s support to pupils planning to strike, however some schools are less supportive: some students planning to strike have been threatened with unauthorised absences and detentions.
This isn’s stopping them from taking part in the demonstrations though, with many advising that a detention is a small price to pay in the fight to save the planet.
Are you planning to take part in the strikes on Friday? Let us know on Twitter or Instagram.
