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Strikers march in Hulhumale' for the planet

Shahudha Mohamed
27 September 2019, MVT 19:09
Climate strike march in Hulhumale' on September 27, 2019. VIDEO: HAWWA AMAANY ABDULLA / THE EDITION
Shahudha Mohamed
27 September 2019, MVT 19:09

A protest was held at reclaimed suburb Hulhumale on Friday morning, as part of the currently ongoing Global Climate Strike, calling for measures to maintain global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celcius.

Over 75 individuals gathered at the strike which commenced at 0700 hrs, including various school students and environmentalists.

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Experts and concerned citizens voiced their opinions during the strike, calling for appropriate action from the government, political leaders and business owners all across the globe.

"The focus of the strike is to call upon government agencies and businesses to adopt a sustainable governance framework with a purview to encourage the increase in investments into renewable energy and innovative technologies".

Participants advocated on switching from burning fossil fuels to renewable energy in order to reduce carbon emissions, planting trees to absorb excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and cutting down the usage of single-use plastic.

Participants holding up slogans at the Climate Strike in Hulhumale'. PHOTO: HAWWA AMAANY/ THE EDITION

During the walk that started at Ruhgandu area, the public marched in light drizzle carrying signboards with slogans such as "say no to single-use plastic", "do not sell our reefs and lagoons" and "there is no planet B", calling for immediate climate justice.

"We have started a movement today and we want as many people to come forward and join us until we see change", Event organiser from local consultancy firm AYHA, Hawwa Reena, said.

She noted that the strikes will continue on Fridays, under the name 'Fridays for Future', until appropriate measures are taken at a policy level to tackle the ever-increasing severity of climate change.

Two young girls at the Climate Strike held on Friday at Hulhumale' PHOTO: HAWWA AMAANY/ THE EDITION

On Thursday, a list of demands endorsed by a large number of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), grassroots movements and private businesses was submitted to various government institutions.

Highlighting various aspects that threaten Maldives including food and water security, environmental destruction and waste management, the collective promotes a more climate-resilient nation.

In addition to Friday's protest in Hulhumale', climate strikes were staged in capital Male', Kulhudhuffushi, Haa Dhaalu Atoll and Addu City with another protest in Fuvahmulah City.

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