The School Strike 4 Climate is finally back and happening all around the country this Friday May 21. Here's everything you need to know.

ICYMI, the School Strike 4 Climate is happening across Australia and the world on May 21. And with COVID still at large, things are happening a little differently (think face masks, social distancing and abiding by any other local restrictions) but the protests will be going ahead nonetheless.

Between the recent sexual assault scandals in Australian Parliament and the chaos in the aftermath of the federal budget announcement, it’s easy to see how climate change has slipped off the radar for many of us. But raising your voice for mother nature is as important now as ever, so channel that eco-anxiety into action and join the movement.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2021 School Strike 4 Climate, from how to find or organise a local event, to protest sign inspiration and how to keep the climate conversation going.

What is the School Strike 4 Climate?

School Strike 4 Climate (SS4C) is a global movement made up of school students of all ages, races, genders, backgrounds and sexualities. They are united by one big issue: the future of our planet. What began with Greta Thunberg holding a sign that read skolstrejk för klimatet (school strike for climate) outside the Swedish Riksdag (parliament) in August 2018 has amassed into a global movement of more than 4,500 strikes over 150 countries – and counting.

School Strike 4 Climate Australia was started in October 2018 by a trio of school kids from Castlemaine, inspired by Greta’s weekly strikes outside the Swedish Parliament. In 2020, more than 350,000 students and adults joined the student-led grassroots movement across over 600 locations around Australia – a turn-out that marks this movement one of the biggest in Australian history.

The local movement has three demands:

  1. No new coal, oil and gas projects, including the Adani mine
  2. 100% renewable energy generation & exports by 2030
  3. Fund a just transition & job creation for all fossil-fuel workers & communities.

The key message? Fund our future not our gas.

According to the SS4C website, “We are striking from school to demand that our politicians take our future seriously & treat climate change as what it is: a crisis.”

How can I get involved?

You don’t have to be a student to get involved in the climate strike and there are plenty of ways to get involved! The more people protesting, the more powerful our voices will be. The #ClimateStrike rallies will be held at all eight capital cities:

  • Sydney: 12pm at Town Hall
  • Melbourne: 1pm at Treasury Gardens
  • Brisbane: 1pm at King George Square
  • Perth: 12pm at Supreme Court Gardens
  • Adelaide: 11:30am at Victoria Square
  • Canberra: 11am at Glebe Park
  • Darwin: 1pm at Parliament House
  • Hobart: 12pm at Parliament Lawns

There will be strikes happening across towns and cities, big and small, around the country – check Facebook to join an event near you. SS4C even has an interactive map so you can check out where your closest rally is.

Nothing happening in your area? Get your local community on board and organise one.

Boss being a fossil fool and not giving you an early mark to get to your local rally? You can always donate to the SS4C. All money will go towards strike logistics, raising awareness, materials and future efforts, so your dollar will help not only now but long-term (much like green, renewable energy).

Sign the pledge to stand with strikers in opposition to public funds being funnelled into dirty gas & instead call upon the government to #FundOurFutureNotGas. And get your company, community and organisation on board to sign it, too.

And don’t forget to like, follow and subscribe to SS4C updates to keep up with important climate news and events across the country.

But what about COVID?

It’s the question on everyone’s lips. But the strikes are still happening across the globe, pandemic, hail or shine – although safety precautions will be taken.

Do I need to bring a sign?

Nothing says activism quite like a protest sign. Showing up and raising your voice is enough, but if you want to take it to the next level, get your art on and make a sign! You can grab a marker and keep it simple with a slogan (read: there’s no planet B; don’t be a fossil fool) or show off your skills with some eye-catching graphics.

Here, a collection of our favourite climate strike signs to inspire you.

 

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A post shared by Niamh Kinsella? (@niamhzk)

When in doubt, meme it out. 

 

 

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A post shared by Eco Earth Market (@ecoearthmarket)

That’s a better song title anyway tbh.

 

 

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A post shared by Jordan Ellis (@jordzy.ellis)

There’s just so much to unpack here and we love to see it.

 

 

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A post shared by Olga (@olga_lalazaryan)

Happy-sad vibes.

 

 

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A post shared by O C E A L (@oceal_)

The kids are alright.

 

Truly iconic.

Ain’t that the truth.

 

Nailed it.

 

 

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A post shared by ????? ????????? (@misst)

The most wholesome sign collection we ever did see.

Feeling inspired yet? Don’t forget to upload your pics and tag @schoolstrikestrikeforclimate and #ClimateStrike. And if you still can’t decide on the perfect poster design, Australian Parents for Climate Action have got you covered with printable signs and templates.

How can I keep the convo going?

Educate your kids (it is their future, after all) and talk to your  friends, extended family and colleagues about the current state of the climate – and the government’s ongoing inaction. Having political discussions with your family, especially when you don’t see eye to eye on certain issues, but we’ve got a few pointers for you – and don’t forget to keep up with the news to ensure you’ve got the facts.

 

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A post shared by WILD Magazine (@wellbeing_wild)

Although we as individuals can’t implement policies, we can make our voices known and heard among our local, and digital, communities. Follow like-minded individuals on your socials, join local community initiatives IRL (think Clean Up Australia events, beach clean-ups and the like), and connect with online groups to help co-ordinate future climate strikes and events.

Even within your home, consider what you can do to green-ify your lifestyle, from switching off the lights to opting to ride, walk or catch public transport to work instead of driving.

Greta’s voice reverberated around the world and inspired millions, so who’s to say yours can’t do the same? Write emails, make phone calls and use your vote at the next election to let the government know where you stand.

For more information, visit schoolstrike4climate.com