On November 15, thousands of people took to the streets across Australia to demand that governments take much more urgent and serious action to stop the global warming that is threatening life on Earth.
On November 15, thousands of people took to the streets across Australia to demand that governments take much more urgent and serious action to stop the global warming that is threatening life on Earth.
In Sydney, 3000-5000 people rallied in Martin Place before marching to Hyde Park. Speakers called for legislating for a reduction in energy use, increased energy efficiency, a shift to renewable energy and better public transport, among other demands. Smaller rallies were also held in Parramatta and Penrith, in Sydney's western suburbs.
In Melbourne, between 6000 and 10,000 people rallied, while in Perth 1000 turned out.
A media stunt in Adelaide featured people on treadmills, symbolically walking the kilometres to Canberra. In Hobart, 150 people rallied at Cornelian Bay. Speakers included Greens senator Christine Milne and Sam Simonetis from the Rail Train and Bus Union.
In Geelong, the crowd of more than 100 people featured banners from the Maritime Union of Australia, the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union, the Greens and the Socialist Alliance.
In Brisbane around 1000 rallied, forming a huge human sign in shape of Queensland and demanding the state government take urgent action. The theme was "Save our reef, save our pacific neighbours", and the rally was attended by many young people from the Kiribati Islands.
Meanwhile, on the same day, the Wollongong Public Transport Coalition organised an action outside NSW transport minister David Campbell's offices. The demonstration was in response to a recent Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal proposal to increase train fairs and cut services. Despite the rain, 40 people attended.