Academics sign open letter for students to protest for climate change on a school day

March 11, 2019

The letter will argue the march is crucial for the well-being and survival of younger generations.

More than 1,000 academics, teachers and researchers are signing an open letter in support of students planning a climate change protest later this week.

One of those signing the letter is Victoria University lecturer Dr Amanda Thompson.

Speaking to TVNZ1's Breakfast this morning she says the decision to allow the protest on a week day was to grab the attention of the government and that the objective of a protest is to be disruptive.

“I hope it [climate change] leads to action and the government decides to take it seriously,” Dr Thompson told Breakfast.

“We want to be clear this is about students taking leadership.”

“A chance for students to speak.”

The idea of the protest has received a unifying and rapid response from a range of academics who believe taking action on climate change is crucial for the well-being and survival of younger generations.

“If we do nothing, it becomes a crisis.”

Earlier on Breakfast, National Party leader Simon Bridges said he objected to the protest and says despite the crucial issue at hand, it’s important for kids to stay in school.

“How about some real progress on environmental issues?”

Mr Bridges says it’s a protest that may potentially open opportunities to keep students out of school, ultimately setting a bad example.

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