Students Warn Of More Climate Change Strikes

Organisers of a student protest demanding action over climate change say Friday's march in Hong Kong was just the beginning and they will be holding more such events in the city if the government doesn't respond to their demands.

"We are probably going to take two weeks to see what their reaction is and depending on that, we will then decide if we do another strike," said Zara Campion, one of the organisers.

"[Students in] some countries do it every week. We don't think we will go that extreme. Maybe once a month is what we would consider doing. But we really have to see what the reaction is to this," said Campion.

Inspired by the actions of Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg, the strike in Hong Kong was a part of more than 2,000 similar protests all over the world.

The Hong Kong organisers said they think about 800 people showed up. But Hong Kong police said around 1,000 took part in the demonstration.

Another organiser, Elisa Hirn, said the size of the protest puts a lot of pressure on the government.

The students – many still in primary school – started their protest at Chater Garden, ditching lessons for the day to express their displeasure at how those in leadership positions were not taking climate change seriously enough.

Last month, the Education Bureau expressed its firm disapproval of students boycotting classes, though it said it respects the freedom of students to express their opinions. In a reply to a query from RTHK on Friday, it said it has nothing more to add.

But the students did get the approval of a lawmaker – Land Justice League's Chu Hoi-dick. He was impressed by the turnout and the determination of the students.

"In the last ten years, I have never seen a rally of this size like this. It is quite amazing," Chu said.

The lawmaker, who focuses on rural issues, said more students could join future action.

"People are disappointed that not many local students are participating, but I think it is a good beginning. And organisers are very eager to reach out," he said. "In the future, stronger liaison can be built."