Students have joined forces across the country to demand action on climate change. Thousands of people turned out in Brisbane.

Ha-Teya Gripske reports.

TRANSCRIPT

On the last day before school holidays you’d expect students to be watching the clock.

But not these young activists.

Sparked by climate activist Greta Thunberg, the ‘School Strike 4 Climate’ has had a ripple effect worldwide.

They’re demanding zero carbon emissions by 2030.

Gina, Student Climate Activist: “Our government is still not doing anything. While they should be pushing Australia to renewables, they’re pushing large coal mines like Adani.”

While students faced some criticism about skipping school, teachers are backing them.

Kevin Bates, Queensland Teachers Union: “So the fact that young people right around the world are willing to stand up and use their voices to bring this issue to the attention of government is something worthy of our support.”

Some businesses, including the Red Cross allowed their staff to participate.

Garry Page, Australian Red Cross: “We’re certainly not directing people, they don’t have to go if they don’t want to, but if they would like to, we’ll support that as an organisation because we see this as such a significant issue.”

Parents also came out to support their children.

Mother: “It’s for our kids, not our grandparents, not us, it’s them.”

Student: “Education is really important to me, but the world is even importanter.”

Grandfather: “I won’t be here, but the future has got to be here, there’s got to be a future for them.”

In March, a similar protest saw 150,000 students and parents take to the streets across the country.

Although it’s not clear how many people will turn out today, they’re still hoping their voices will be heard.

At least ten thousand protesters showed up at Sydney’s march, and organisers say it could even be double that in Hobart.

Ha-Teya Gripske, QUT News.