Published 11:59 IST, September 27th 2019
New Zealand's second wave climate protest: Big march to NZ Parliament
The second wave of worldwide protest was launched when thousands of people marched towards New Zealand’s Parliament asking for fast action on climate change
On September 27, the second wave of worldwide protests for climate change was launched when tens of thousands of people marched towards New Zealand’s Parliament asking for concrete and fast action on climate change. After the Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg addressed the world leaders this week in United Nations summit, it inspired many other people across the world to call for action. Many youngsters took the call to participate in the protest and demand call-to-action.
Second-wave protest
A walk to the Parliament in New Zealand's capital Wellington was perhaps the biggest protest at any point held there and officials made certain changes in the security to accommodate tens and thousands of people who gathered for the protest. The protest was strategically planned to coincide with the UN meeting with participation of a maximum number of people. New Zealand along with a number of other countries aimed at the second wave protest concerning the climate change, the decision was made considering that during the second week of the UN, the discussion on climate change will be the center of attraction of the worldwide discussion.
Youngsters at the Protest
Thunberg in her tweet said that she is planning to participate in the protest in Montreal on September 27. Many young people participated in the protest. Katherine Rivers who resides in Wellington, an 18-year old university student expressed that it was inspiring to see young people come forward and talk about the climate change, taking adequate actions to protect the planet and personal responsibility while protesting. In her interview with AP, she said, “We need to stop pandering to some of the people who are making money off climate change. The big oil companies, the dairy industry, etc.,” she further added that “And make a change for the future of these kids that are here.” Rivers, who is enthusiastic about contributing to saving the planet is currently pursuing marine biology and environmental studies. She said that she wishes to make her career about making the environment better and will hopefully be able to achieve the same.
The largest protest in New Zealand
The protest witnessed several high school students taking time off from their usual routines, with parents, office workers and many more people who participated in the protest. To one's astonishment, one 83-year-old grandmother-of-three Violet McIntosh also marched to demand swift action on climate change. She said that it is high time the world leaders stop talking and start acting. She further added that they should rather look up to youngsters like Thunberg, listen to them. She attributed her “amazing”. She told the Associated Press that, she stood out there by herself to start it all. Millions of people are following her now,” and a girl should feel proud of herself.
(With AP inputs)
Updated 13:48 IST, September 27th 2019