School pupils from across east Kent have been gathering outside Canterbury City Council to demand faster action on global warming.

As part of a week of protests across the city, the youngsters have been holding "lessons" by the council's offices in an effort to raise awareness of the devastating impact of climate change.

Around a hundred children and teenagers also marched up Military Road through to the city centre, holding placards and chanting slogans like "don't burn my future" and "don't be a fossil fool".

Kai Dean, and his friend Sydney, from Folkestone, explain why they're taking part

The young activists are part of the Youth Strike 4 Climate movement and want the city council to declare a "climate emergency", in the wake of a UN report which warns there are only 12 years to limit a rise in global temperatures to 1.5C.

Alice Addley, 15, who goes to King's School, has been giving a science lecture to a crowd of fellow pupils, parents and council workers.

"We feel like we're going to be the ones that are affected dramatically in the future, and the councillors and the government at the moment aren't doing enough to support or us or to basically listen to the science that they need to act now," she explains.

"They say they are, but it's nowhere near enough, and what they should be doing.

"If government and councillors are not listening to the educated, the scientists, why should we be learning facts in school? This, at the end of the day, is going to affect our lives."

The protestors, who were joined by dozens of others in Deal, Faversham and Maidstone, also staged an 11-minute "die-in" in the council's reception.

Kai Dean, 14, who goes to the Harvey Grammar in Folkestone, says he is taking part because he feels the government "isn't listening" to young people.

"I think it's better to listen to younger children about climate change, because their minds haven't been developed into thinking it doesn't matter," he said.

Also taking part is Kent College student Isabella Savin, 15, who says the slow pace of action to tackle climate change is "really unconscionable."

Her friend Alice Abrams, 17, who goes to Simon Langton Boys, added: "We should be trying to modernise the economy right now, and transitioning people to green jobs.

"The system needs to be changed, but people don't really seem to be willing to do that.

"I don't think the government have their priorities straight. They're not willing to exercise the powers they have."

What do you think? Email kentishgazette@thekmgroup.co.uk

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