But this year,three leading climate professors Dr David Karoly from the University of Melbourne,Dr Lesley Hughes,Pro-Chancellor at Macquarie University,and Dr Nick Abel have pre-signed climate doctor’s certificates which can be personalised for students who attend the climate strikes across the country.
Karoly said while the sick notes had not been signed by medical professionals,they were an innovative way to raise awareness about the implications that climate change will cause for the coming generation.
He said the main thing driving inaction was apathy from older generations.
“Young people are going to be more affected by the effects of climate change. This includes increasing extreme weather events,the changes in the economic system and energy generation system,which we are already starting to see,” he said.
“People,like myself,and the current generations need to make choices between living in the current or planning for the future for our children and grandchildren because they will bear the brunt of the impacts and the costs.”
He added that peaceful demonstrations were a healthy way for students to engage and learn about democracy outside the classroom.