Students walked out of school for a day to strike for climate change across Australia, armed with pre-signed climate doctor’s certificates from prominent professors such as internationally recognised expert on climate change David Karoly.
The strike on Nov. 17, organised by School Strike 4 Climate, aimed to push the government to prevent climate change and for the fossil fuel industry to transition to renewable energy.
Similar strikes have taken place in the UK, Belgium, and Sweden.
The organisers said it was a sick note signed by a different kind of doctor: “One who recognises the importance of striking for the planet, who believes you shouldn’t get punished for protesting.”
The climate doctor’s certificate certifies that the student is unfit due to “a major climate health concern.”
“Symptoms include increased anxiety from the Australian Federal Government’s ongoing climate policy inaction. Elevated stress on seeing the impacts of the climate emergency now in Australia and worldwide,” the note reads.
“Feelings of despair due to the disregard of leaders who won’t have to endure the future they’ll leave behind.”
Education Departments Stand Firm
However, education departments in New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria have stated that students were expected to attend school as usual on Nov. 17, and notes not signed by a medical practitioner will not be accepted.“It is not a legitimate medical certificate and would not be accepted by schools,” a NSW Department of Education spokesperson said.
“Students should be in class during a regular school day.”
Both departments’ websites said the only reasons for student absences include being sick, a religious holiday, or exceptional circumstances.
Despite this, students expressed their determination, including the several hundred gathering outside the office of Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, chanting “shame.”
Strikers expressed dissatisfaction with the Albanese government, accusing it of not fulfilling its commitment to climate leadership.
16-year-old Min Park said she was striking because Ms. Plibersek approved new coal and gas projects.
“She is listening to the fossil fuel lobby instead of doing her job and taking responsibility to protect the health of the planet,” she told AAP.
“The Labor government needs to listen to young people everywhere and say no to new coal and gas projects and speed up a just transition to clean energy, because the worst impacts of climate change will be on my generation.”
“FOE supports activities and organisations, which seek to dismantle and bring about an end to oppressive and exploitative structures such as environmental extractivism, capitalism, colonialism, and patriarchy,” the organisation said.
