AN ESTIMATED 5,000 people joined the global climate strike in Glasgow on Friday, with thousands more taking part in villages, towns and cities throughout Scotland. 

Organised by Scottish Youth Climate Strike, the protest called on the government to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and to communicate the severity and urgency of the climate crisis.

They also demanded that the national curriculum be reformed to address the emergency.

“There has never been a more important issue facing humanity than the climate crisis,” said Dylan Hamilton from Scottish Youth Climate Strike.

“Today’s protest will show the world that the people want action that responds to what climate science demands.”

In Glasgow, thousands rallied in George Square to hear speeches from young organisers and supporters.

“The fact that our streets have been filled with everyone demanding action sends a clear message to those in power that the public want to see change,” said 15-year-old striker Erin Curtis. 

“All of us uniting for this protest will drive home to the government that we won’t stand for platitudes any longer.”

Glasgow City Council confirmed earlier this month that school pupils who opted to strike would not face punishment. 

In line with the global movement, organisers encouraged adults to join Friday’s strike and a number of local universities, businesses and charities were represented, alongside unions including the IWW, Unite, Unison and UCU.

Across Scotland, an estimated 30 strikes took place. 

The largest crowds were in Edinburgh, with Friends of the Earth Scotland director Richard Dixon estimating a turnout of 12,000-15,000 which he described as “the biggest climate gathering ever in Scotland.”

The strikes launch a week of action which will include “die-ins,” workshops and discussions focusing on appreciation of the planet and the scale of the emergency. 

Sixteen-year-old Kirsty Robertson said this was the third strike she had attended, after being inspired by teenage activist Greta Thunberg’s protest outside the Swedish parliament. 

“It’s amazing how many people are here — not just kids but adults and workplaces too,” she said. “I don’t think governments can ignore us much longer.”