The latter part of 2018 will be remembered for the re-emergence of climate action on the national agenda.
Independent Kerryn Phelps鈥 win in the Wentworth byelection听promising 鈥渕eaningful environmental action鈥 and Labor鈥檚 subsequent adoption of a 50% renewable energy policy by 2030 has come in the midst of researcher Rebecca Huntley鈥檚 findings that 鈥渃limate and environmental concerns鈥 have increasingly become 鈥渁 test of leadership鈥 for voters.
These centrist platforms, however, have been rightly superseded by the newest base of the climate movement: high school students.
Tired of the 鈥渄inosaurs in parliament鈥, students have brought a necessary and fresh energy to the climate debate.
More than 15,000 students rallied for meaningful climate action across 30 different locations on November 30, buoyed by anger at the major parties鈥 inaction.
Organised by the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC), the School Strike 4 Climate Action encapsulated a welcome rise in听high school activism. It听highlighted the fact that the youngest generation are active and engaged.
Given that they will be the ones bearing most of the effects of climate change in the decades to come, it is of vital importance that students are at the forefront of the听movement.
The School Strike 4 Climate Action was inspiring. From the witty signs to the awe of onlookers as thousands of students descended upon parliaments and blocked roads, they displayed the best of humanity.
However, this momentum听needs to be sustained to ensure the strike is not听just a one-off.
That is why the latest Stop Adani protests on December 8 have been so important in confirming students鈥 hunger for change. Led by young organisers, students听spearheading听the push to stop the construction of another deadly coalmine has revealed the changing dynamics of the climate movement.
The rising involvement of students shows young people are tired of being ignored and are taking matters into their own hands.
Of course, any meaningful action on climate change must be clear on its targets.
As France鈥檚 gilets jaunes (yellow vest)听protests have shown, working-class people cannot be held responsible for the sins of corporations. With 100 of the world鈥檚 largest companies causing 70% of global emissions, the case for systemic change has never been clearer.
That is why actions such as phasing out of plastic bags or installing听solar panels听 on homes are commendable, but ultimately not enough to dismantle the capitalist system that prioritises profit over planet.
Despite not having power in society and not even being able to vote, students are the ones leading the national conversation on climate change. Through closer collaboration with trade unions and听anti-racism and refugee campaigns, we will be unstoppable.
[Leo Crnogorcevic is a Year 11 student and a member of the Socialist Alliance and Victorian Socialists.]