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An estimated 2,000 students showed up according to Hamilton — a higher turnout than expected. It made for quite a scene as the crowd held a short rally on the steps of the VAG, then marched to the Department of the Environment and Climate Change on Burrard Street to deliver a collective speech.

“The entire crowd participated in giving a speech (…) demanding that climate change is prioritized,” Hamilton said. “We don’t see the government acting with the urgency that is needed.”

Hamilton said the school walkout, the third climate-student rally she has staged, was intended to demonstrate the sort of immediate action that is necessary.

“By temporarily putting our normal lives on hold, we’re showing how to act with urgency,” Hamilton explained.

Hamilton said the climate crisis is the No. 1 threat the planet is facing, and it needs to be addressed if there is to ever be peace. She hopes Thunberg wins the Nobel Prize because it would send a “powerful” message to leaders around the world to take the climate emergency seriously.

She said she hasn’t received any grief from her school over the walkouts. “I would say my teachers’ response has been neutral. I have the support of my parents and get notes to be out of school.”

Hamilton and the Sustainabiliteens also received support from B.C. Green party Leader Andrew Weaver, who said his caucus was “inspired” by the students in a statement released Friday.

“Our children are telling us that it is time to treat this crisis as a crisis, and they are right,” said Weaver. “I am humbled and honoured to stand with the world’s children and youth as they demand political action on climate change.