On Friday 3 March there was a protest march lead by students in University of Galway and local schools over the inaction by government on this issue.
Part of the Fridays for Future movement, which was begun by Gretta Thunberg, this protest was part of one taking place in 150 countries, it centres around youth activism and inspired by her Friday protests outside of Swedish parliament in 2018.
Protesters expressed concern over both local and global climate change, from needing more bins in Galway city to how it has been and will further be impacted by rising sea levels.
The protest began at 1pm. Gathering in Eyre Square with other students, those attending were addressed by members of the Universities environmental society.
Overall, it was a call to action with many reminders to be hopeful and aiming to engage passers by and inform them of the reasons for protest. Then the march began, down shop street to Spanish arch, with signs.
Two of the signs read, “I don’t want to go to mars,” and, “Climate justice is a right.” They were also chanting things such as “Fridays are for future” and “stand up join the fight climate justice is a right”.
Once they reached Spanish Arch, there was an opportunity for anyone to speak who wished to do so. Adults and children took the opportunity to speak, before marching back to Eyre square and accommodating open conversations with the public on the reasons for protest and climate issues.
