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Children & young people taking part in Friday's climate strike are not potential adults in waiting whose views don't count yet. Neither do they need adult permission to have a mind of their own or to give it voice.
The fact that, in this case, their view represents a necessary critique of our failure to sufficiently address the threat of climate change should be welcomed with enthusiasm and gratitude.
The most common issues my Office hears about from children & young people are housing/poverty, care for the environment and climate change. They also tell us they are frustrated at not being listened to or taken seriously.
Children & young people know that climate change will impact their future, perhaps even define it. They also know the rest of us are failing to take all the appropriate steps necessary to limit that impact.
They urgently want and need to make their voices heard now. They want us to listen and not tell them to get back to their studies.
We should be proud young people in NZ have the courage to give voice to the challenge of climate change. Let's hope that we, and our politicians, also have the courage to sit down and listen.
