Geraldton teen climate activist defends #schoolstrike4climate

On Friday, May 21, Geraldton students, workers and community leaders marched together in the name of our planet.

Here in Geraldton, we should be leading with passion for climate justice, since as a regional area we are far more likely to be subject to the harsh effects of climate change than urban areas.

Geraldton students “fight” for a clean future and demand climate action in national school strike

Geraldton students skip school to demand “immediate action on climate change” for national protest

OPINION: Geraldton students strike the right note for change

Despite the many individuals and groups in Geraldton taking action to move the public forwards into a renewable future and discourage the Morrison Government from opening new gas deals and passing threatening environmental policies, avid climate denial and scrutiny of young climate activists still festers in Geraldton.

The fossil fuel industry thrives on underground and hidden projects that can escape public criticism.

Many are unintentionally supporting the fossil fuel industry and the harm it causes by simple denial of its issues and ignorance of its damage, instead turning their criticisms towards those taking action and speaking out.

By raising our voices and taking action on our own account, Australia’s youth are claiming our future and building confidence in the next generation of leaders.

Since the Friday strike, many disparagers of students and workers striking for the climate have taken the stance the cause is fruitless and redundant.

“The climate has always been changing”, “strike on a Saturday, then we’ll listen”, and “strike from your phones if you want to make a point” have been some of the many comments.

The keyboard warriors who chose climate denial rather than support for the harmless act of students striking are, through their ignorance, causing severe damage to the local climate.

The threat of fracking was a major focus of the May 21 strike as it is a severe risk to traditional land and the safety and preservation of our Earth.

Among many other focuses, fracking and government inaction, alongside climate denial from select areas of the Geraldton public were the primary targets of the strike.

By raising our voices and taking action on our own account, Australia’s youth are claiming our future and building confidence in the next generation of leaders.

Tabitha Murdoch is a 15-year-old climate activist from the Mid West. She is a leading member of Geraldton Youth Regeneration Organisation and helped organise the Geraldton School Strike 4 Climate event last month.