Thousands of Australian school students have urged greater action on climate change in protests across the country.

The students skipped school on Friday to highlight what they say are inadequate climate policies by the Australian government.

On Monday, Australian PM Scott Morrison rebuked their plans for "activism" during school hours and insisted his government was tackling climate change.

Many students said his remarks had bolstered their resolve to protest.
"We will be the ones suffering the consequences of the decisions they [politicians] make today," protester Jagveer Singh, 17, told the BBC.

Organisers say they were inspired by Greta Thunberg, a 15-year-old girl in Sweden who has undertaken similar protests.

Australia has committed to reducing its emissions by 26-28% on 2005 levels by 2030, under the Paris climate agreement.

Mr Morrison most recently cited a renewable energy target, a clean energy purchasing fund, and a hydropower project as evidence of Australia's progress.

He told parliament on Monday: "What we want is more learning in schools and less activism in schools."

Earlier this week, the UN said Australia and many nations were falling short of their emission commitments.

Australia had made "no improvement" in its climate policy since last year, according to the emissions gap report.

School Strike 4 Climate Action protests have been held in every state capital and 20 regional towns.

Source: BBC

BDST: 1345 HRS, NOV 30, 2018
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