Hundreds join global climate strike in Manchester

Many students, families and workers took to St Peter's Square to contribute to the latest of global climate strikes.

Strikers voicing their mission at St Peter's Square
Author: Benjamin StaceyPublished 29th Nov 2019

People from all over the North West attended the demonstration with some even walking out of work and lectures to join the effort.

The strike follows on from the multiple demonstrations that have been carried out throughout the year.

Throughout the day, multiple speeches were made with the general theme that the future government need to do more to tackle climate change.

"We want the government to stop pretending that climate change isn't real. We want to see the government change the way we educate about climate change in schools because it is one of the biggest issues."

Strikers on the picket line.

Some of the strikers believe that the government are trying to undermine the issue.

"I think if you looked at the news you would think there is going to be a change when actually, they're not listening to us. They're giving us surface solutions and nothing is happening."

The youth and student turnout for the day was very high. This is believed to be partially due to teenage activist Greta Thunberg who has became a globally known activist this year.

Young strikers joining in with chants.

The young people at the event believe that demonstrations and strikes are the main method of raising awareness.

"More people are aware of the issue now and I think that we can truly make a difference if we keep protesting like this. "

They think that the future generations should be the motivation for change.

"It's the younger generation who are going to have to deal with the fallout if the climate is not dealt with in any sort of manner"

Taking a stand while sitting down.

The day was filled with a range of peaceful demonstrations.

A few Manchester residents think that more should be done locally to tackle the crisis.

"I would like to see what Manchester is specifically going to be doing about climate change because statistically we have some of the worst air pollution in the UK and people are getting sick. If we really are the 'Northern Powerhouse' how are we going to make a difference?"

As the day progressed many kept their spirits and morale high and the demonstration strong.