Dozens of local pupils and supporters will join the Student Strike for Climate Action in Tamworth on Friday - but it's believed that no local leaders will be among them.
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About 120 people have marked themselves on the event's Facebook page as attending or interested in attending.
But no regional councillors have RSVP'd, according to an event spokesman, Wayne Chaffey, who said: "People are aware of [the issues] it and it's just a shame more people aren't willing to take a stance."
The Leader contacted councillors to ask whether they would attend.
Russell Webb confirmed he wouldn't, saying: "Climate change is definitely something that's happening, but what the level of impact is from mankind is still a question."
"I think everyone should have the right to demonstrate on what they believe in, but ... I think it's wrong that students are taking time out of school to do something like this," he said.
Mark Rodda and Charles Impey said they were unable to go, due to work commitments.
"I do, however, believe the climate is changing and that the youth of today deserve action to occur, as it will be their generation most adversely affected," Cr Impey said.
Jim Maxwell said he wouldn't attend and, when asked if he couldn't make it or didn't want to, he replied: "Both."
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Local organiser, year 6 student Lucy Lyden, said: "People need to do something instead of just talking about it."
"Climate change is already evident in Tamworth, with our town rapidly losing water and our leaders in denial," Lucy said.
"I'm striking, because I'm fed up that people that have power are continuously burning fossil fuels.
"My own MP holding up a lump of coal in Parliament, saying we need to build more coal-fired power stations."
Co-organiser Chiara Leabon said "everyone's needed at the march" because climate change affected all.
"I get to see both farm and town life, so I experience the impacts of our climate breaking down on both lifestyles," she said.
"The dust in Tamworth is sometimes so thick we can't even see across town.
"And, around the country, groundwater is depleting, the mine's dust is filthy and the greenhouse gases coming out of it are really bad for the climate and our health.
"Weather events such as storms and droughts are becoming more common and more extreme, and big fires are already raging."
- Students in Armidale will also strike, on Friday from 9am to 11am at Central Park
- Students in Tamworth will strike on Friday, 1.30-2:30pm, marching from the train station to Bicentennial Park