'We need to take action', say the Nelson students marching for the climate
As the most affected by a warming planet, youth are demanding change and a voice, say the students marching for climate change action. About 150 students and their supporters gathered in Nelsons 1903 square on Friday afternoon. After a performance by indie band Parallel Park and speeches from young people and MP Rachel Boyack, the group marched down Trafalgar St. The march was part of a nationwide action by School Strike 4 Climate, demanding a drastic reduction in emissions, a transition to regenerative agriculture, Te Tiriti-centred climate justice, and a voting age lowered to 16. Organisers Freya High and Petra Graney , year 13 students at Nelson College for Girls, said they were pleased with the turnout from their school, which had been supportive of the strike. READ MORE: * 'Regenerative' agriculture could save farms and the planet, students say * Why I strike: A student's plea for action * Climate Action Week: ways to help save our planet Events like the recent flooding show we need to take action, High said. As young people, students are most likely to suffer future disruption from climate change, which made it crucial that students had a greater say in decision-making, she said. Practical decisions made today are made by people who arent going to be around to see the consequences. Being a small country was no excuse for inaction, the pair said. With a history of pioneering change like the suffragette and nuclear-free movements Aotearoa had the ability to lead, said Graney. Because we are small its easier to make the change, and show other countries that it can be done, High said.