2. What is causing climate change?
Climate change is mainly caused by human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. One of the biggest causes is burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas for electricity, transport and factories. This process is called combustion. These activities release carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas. Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere through the greenhouse effect. This is a natural process, but too many greenhouse gases trap extra heat and make Earth warmer. Rising temperatures can cause extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods, droughts and powerful storms.
3. Why are students going on strike for climate change?
Students in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world are going on strike because they are worried about the future of our planet. They believe climate change is a serious problem and that governments need to take more action. Climate change can cause rising sea levels, melting glaciers, extreme weather, droughts and damage to animal habitats. In Aotearoa, we can experience more flooding, coastal damage and changes to our environment.
The School Strike 4 Climate movement began after Greta Thunberg, a Swedish student, started protesting about climate change in 2018. On 15 March 2019, thousands of students across New Zealand took part in the first major school strike. Students wanted the government to pass a Zero Carbon Act, stop exploring and extracting fossil fuels, and reduce pollution from farming.
These demands are important because burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, which trap extra heat and increase global temperatures. Students believe governments should invest in renewable energy, protect nature and reduce pollution to help slow down climate change.
In my opinion, students should have a voice because climate change will affect our future the most. We only have one planet, and we need to look after it before the damage becomes worse.
4. Photos of School Strike 4 Climate
See the photos below of students protesting for climate action in Aotearoa New Zealand