Clive Lewis For Norwich South
It was a privilege to address school students from across Norwich at the #ClimateStrike rally in the city centre this afternoon.
Students across Europe are walking out of school today to call for action on climate change. It’s this younger generation who will have to live and deal with the catastrophic consequences of climate change for the longest, so it’s only right they have their voices heard.
Not only was there a strong turnout, but the level of enthusiasm was as high – if not higher – than any other demo I’ve been to in the city: to these pupils, this was far from simply being an excuse for a day off school.
I’m aware other schools across Norwich are acknowledging the strike and endorsing the message behind it by holding demos or running climate change related events/activities on-site. Among those doing so were Notre Dame High School: after speaking at the rally, I dropped by to participate in a climate change Q&A with NDHS students during their lunchtime (more on that shortly!).
Thank you to every student who joined the demo or asked their school to put on activities – and to all the schools who listened and allowed pupils to play their part. This isn’t, and can’t, be the end of the youth movement for action on climate change. I hope everyone who took part today feels inspired to carry on the fight and keep climate change on the agenda.