Climate Change Protest

By Sophie McCready

With the average surface temperature increasing by more than 1.6 degrees Fahrenheit since 1906 (according to National Geographic), younger generations are identifying climate change as a global crisis. Teens all around the world decided it was time for a change. 16-year-old Swedish student, Greta Thunberg triggered an international call for change when she protested outside the Swedish parliament building.

Taupō’s very own climate change strike took place on March 15th with students from both Taupō-nui-a-tia and Tauhara College participating. Signs were painted, chants were made, as the youth of our community cried for a change in how we treat the earth. This took place from 12:30 pm until 3:00 pm. With students organising it themselves, it very much showed how much change is needed.

Want to help create climate justice but not sure how? Here are some ways to decrease the effect we have on the globe.

• Cut down on single-use plastic. Re use plastic bags on a regular basis. Try to use less of them and use them in more ways.

• Try walking or biking more places. The more petrol used in cars, motorbikes or buses, the more it pollutes the air.

• Use energy wisely. You could try changing to energy efficient light bulbs or hang-dry clothes as much as you can instead of using the dryer.

• Vote! If you’re old enough, you could sign petitions against using fossil fuels and helping climate change stop! Just make sure you read everything in the petition carefully and agree with what you’re signing.