On the 12th of September, school students (and allies) from across Ōtautahi will be striking in order to demand urgent climate action from the Christchurch City Council ahead of its local elections. With the current government's attacks on climate policy at a national scale (through things like the fast track and regulatory standards bills, and the repeal of the oil and gas exploration ban), it’s even more important than ever to demand that responsibility starts being taken seriously on a local level.

"I am striking because I love my city and want it to be here for future generations to experience. I want our garden-city to be represented by councillors who are committed to green spaces, bikes, public transport, and densification" says JJ Matthias (SS4C Ōtautahi)

Strikers will be starting at the bridge of remembrance and rallying outside the council to get pledges from current councillors and those standing for election. It is urgent that the council meets its climate targets, which it is far from doing. (With the council aiming for a 50% emissions reduction by 2030, and last year’s emissions inventory showing a 1% reduction– which itself was partly influenced by the drop in emissions under Covid). We will demand resourcing towards:

–increased cycling and public transport infrastructure

–further action for urban densification and action to curb the city’s current path of car-dependent sprawl.

–a general consciousness of the need to start bearing both the logistical and financial weight of climate decisions now, as opposed to continually stacking pressure onto and bankrupting future generations

–more youth engagement on these issues

“Creating a climate-resilient city is hard work, and we can no longer afford to have a council that’s not willing to put in that work,” Says Bugs Sullivan (SS4C Ōtautahi)

While we may not be able to vote, it's important to remind people that high school students are still a part of democracy and need to make our voices heard– when it comes to the future of Ōtautahi, we’re the ones with the most at stake, along with the generations that follow us.

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