The Hong Kong Climate Strike: Student Movement and Societal Impact

This essay reflects on the recent climate strike in Hong Kong, a student-led protest inspired by Greta Thunberg's activism. The author analyzes the students' demands, including the call for a youth representative in environmental bodies and increased government focus on renewable energy sources. The essay highlights the support from the Hong Kong Committee of Children's Rights and the criticism from the English Schools Foundation. It discusses the rising temperatures in Hong Kong, the health impacts on children, and the global impact of Thunberg's influence. The essay also examines the varying reactions of adults to the movement. The author concludes that the student movement is imperative and should be encouraged, emphasizing its impact on society and the importance of addressing climate change.

Running head: CLIMATE STRIKE IN HONG KONG
Climate Strike in Hong Kong
Name of the University:
Name of the Student:
Author Note:

1CLIMATE STRIKE IN HONG KONG
The recent activity of a school walk-out by the students of Hong Kong has been an
utter shock for me. In light of the recent protest done by Greta Thunberg, against Climate
Changes have inspired students globally to voice against the same (www.bbc,com., 2019).
Therefore, in the paper I wish to reflect upon the major step taken by the Hong Kong students
with an urge to include a youth representative in the environmental bodies.
I have never came across any report such startling and daring on part of the students
as this one. The issues like Global Warming and Climate Change are the most pressing issues
at the moment and they must be the prime focus are for any country.
While viewing the report, I came across about the support they got from the Hong
Kong Committee of children’s Rights, as they entitled the children as citizens of the country
and stated that they should speak out their mind and communicate their opinions. The
students have also urged the government for a Climate Action Officer. They believe that the
Government must focus more on renewable sources of energy. However, the English Schools
Foundation has gravely criticised the whole incident stating that such acts can endanger the
safety of the students. Their opinion was that the students could be expressive of the current
issues and further make a move upon it but their safety is also a significant concern, and such
activities may endanger that. Their standpoint was not a vague one keeping in mind the
terrorist attacks at various places. However, such actions show that the present generation are
much aware of the social issues and are not afraid of taking their standpoints ((Stapleton,
2019).
I believe, according to the current scenario, such movement was an imperative one
and has gravely impacted the society, especially the students. The annual temperature of
Hong Kong is seen to have risen for the last 130 years. This has adversely affected the health
of numerous people. Children are becoming victims of lung infections and other such

2CLIMATE STRIKE IN HONG KONG
diseases. Hence, such a movement is really appreciated. Further, Thunberg’s talk at UN
Climate Talks and World Economic Forum have brought her to the international limelight
and nomination for Nobel Peace Prize. This has again, positively impacted upon the children.
She has become the role model for many student and the recent school walkout is an outcome
of the same. The most interesting part, according to me is that the developing countries like
India and Nepal were also a part of the rally with the developed nations because in the
developing nations the effects of climate changes are much worse.
To analyse and conclude upon the issue I must include that the most surprising event
was the behaviour of the adults. Though the movement was primarily driven by the students,
the adults of the society have noticeably kept quiet. This behaviour can be deciphered in two
ways either they are also concerned of the safety of their children, or they took it as an act of
‘Child’s play’ and did not understand the significance of the whole activity. However, such
deeds on the part of the students must be encouraged and appreciated, and I expect more such
movements to take place.

3CLIMATE STRIKE IN HONG KONG
References:
www.bbc.com. (2019). Greta Thunberg, 16, up for Peace Prize. Retrieved from
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-47568227
Stapleton, P. (2019). Climate Strike Hong Kong: Gov't reaction to class boycott is ironic,
short-sighted and dangerous | Hong Kong Free Press HKFP. Retrieved from
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/03/15/climate-strike-hong-kong-govt-reaction-
class-boycott-ironic-short-sighted-dangerous/